Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development sarawak

2024
ISSUE NO.1
 2024 • I SSU E NO.1

ministry of education, innovation

and talent development Sarawak
 Advisor I
Datu Haji Azmi bin Haji Bujang

Advisor II
ii Foreword Anielia anak Siam

1 A Biological Threat to the Oil Palm Chief Coordinator I

Industry: Ganoderma boninense Dr. Cheong Yaw Liang

7 Mukah Sago Waste Treatment Pilot Plant: Chief Coordinator II

A Sustainable Solution to Sago Waste Khuzaimah Othman

Chief Editor
11 The Hidden Treasure of Nature:
The Journey of Sarawak’s Unique LitSara® Sharifah Fariah binti Syed Junaidi
Essential Oil Assistant Editor
Alfean Aziz
19 BrightSparx: Fostering Innovation and
Empowering Visionaries Ismandy Ali

Editorial Panel
23 Innovations to Enhance Mobility and Aid
Ts. Prof. Lau Bee Theng
Home Caregivers
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida Shafreena
First published in 2024 27 Using IoT to Monitor Water Level and binti Ahmad Puad
© Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, 2024 Pressure
Assoc. Prof. Dr John Lau Sie Yon
33 Towards Human Capital Development for Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a Green and Sustainable Future Firdaus Abong Abdullah
retrieval system, or transmitted, in any forms or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Wong Wei Kitt
39 From Food Scraps to Eco-Enzyme
from the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak. Marvels: A Sustainable Multipurpose Dr. Herman Umbau anak Lindang
Organic Liquid Dr. Donald Stephen
Published by
47 Cultivating Awareness of Cyberbullying Stanley Gona Chee Khiong
Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak
4th Floor, LCDA Tower, Lot 2879, The Isthmus, Off Jalan Bako, Through Digital Intervention Melissa Chang May Fung
93050 Kuching, Sarawak.
55 Sarawak Sustainability Resources for Sal Hazreen binti Bugam
T : 082-356 834 . F : 082-356 934
E : [email protected] . W : meitd.sarawak.gov.my Engineered Timber Products Amanda Lai Huey Yih
Faheezah binti Mohamad Ibrahim
61 Retrospective on Sago Palm Misimpression
Design & Layout by with Advanced Biotechnological Approach Eve Sanedi
Bumi Serasi, Sarawak, Malaysia
Chief Article Coordinator
69 Act-Sing-Blend: Elevating Reading
Proficiency Among Malaysian Young ESL Nur Asmida binti Arzmi
ISSN No. : 3036-0293
Learners

Printed in Malaysia
 As the Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Sarawak,
it is an honor to present the foreword for the inaugural edition of Synthesis Sarawak
magazine. This publication is brought to you by the Ministry of Education, Innovation,
and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD). We understand the importance of
empowering the Sarawak community, particularly the youth, to become the driving
force behind scientific and technological advancements. With this magazine, we hope
to inspire future generations to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics (STEM), ensuring a continuous supply of skilled professionals who
will contribute significantly to the growth and innovation of Sarawak.
The launch of the Synthesis Sarawak magazine signifies the Ministry’s
unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of its goals and vision. This first
edition showcases various achievements from our GLCs and partner universities,
including Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI), CRAUN Research Sdn.
Bhd., Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), Sarawak Research and Development Council
(SRDC), Sarawak Skills, Center for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), Curtin
University Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, University
of Technology Sarawak (UTS), i-CATS University College, and Institut Pendidikan Guru
Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR), presented in publication form.
A special thanks to the article contributors and editorial board who have put
so much determined effort into making this a success. The scientific achievements
displayed in this edition are amazing. From biotechnology to precision engineering,
from waste management to clean energy and from environmental protection to
state-of-the-art chemical products. It is clear evidence that we have no shortage of
expertise to spur the development in our beloved State. We hope that this magazine
will continue to be a reflection of our progress and that this progress will never slow
down. When it comes to moving forward, we are only limited by our imagination.

Thank you.

from Minister for

Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn
Education, Innovation Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak
and Talent Development
Sarawak

ii Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 iii

 Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr.
Haji Annuar bin Rapa’ee
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation
and Talent Development Sarawak I
(Higher Education and Innovation)
from Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Education,
Innovation and Talent
Development Sarawak

In this inaugural issue, various articles are featured highlighting various achievements by
universities and Sarawak based research agencies. The issue is a collection of reports and
notable achievements in the areas of food technology, biotechnology, Internet of Things
(IoT), and digital technology from industry players, academics, and various experts in
their respective fields. Contributors for this first issue are from Sarawak Tropical Peat
Research Institute (TROPI), CRAUN Research Sdn. Bhd. Sarawak Biodiversity Centre
Yang Berhormat Datuk
(SBC), Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC), Sarawak Skills, Center for
Francis Harden Hollis
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), Curtin University, Swinburne University of
and Talent Development Sarawak II Technology Sarawak Campus, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), i-CATS University
(Talent Development) College, and Institut Pendidikan Guru Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR).
Apart from introducing various products and sources of revenue, our main
revenue which comes from palm oil needs to be constantly protected. In “A Biological
Threat to the Palm Oil Industry: Ganoderma Boninense”, by Sarawak Tropical Peat
Research Institute (TROPI) highlights how ganoderma boninense (basal stem rot fungus)
may be a threat to the existing palm oil industry. Readers may take note that TROPI is
constantly on the lookout for the well-being of the industry.
In the article, “Mukah Sago Waste Treatment Pilot Plant: A Sustainable
Solution to Sago Wastes” by Craun Research Sdn. Bhd., the author presents ongoing
large-scale efforts in converting processed crop waste (sago residue) into bioenergy.
The author also introduces the anaerobic pond, a fascinating facility that transforms
sago waste into biogas, serving as a clean energy source for electricity generation. This
treatment plant has successfully enhanced the circular economy of the sago industry.

vi Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 vii

 New products based on scientific development have always been the priority of eco-enzymes. They also detailed the steps to produce eco-enzymes and explore their
various agencies in Sarawak such as Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), reporting in the potential applications.
article titled “The Hidden Treasure of Nature: The Journey of Sarawak’s Unique Litsara With new growth comes new challenges. With the increasing social media
Essential Oil” various locally produced products that combines scientific results with the consumption, the problem of cyberbullying has now become a major issue on all fronts.
indigenous communities’ knowledge were highlighted. With support from SBC, several Cyberbullying has been regarded as a long-standing problem among netizens and many
communities have generated additional income streams, improving their socio-economic have attempted to propose remedies for this problem. In the article entitled “Cultivating
well-being. SBC has been at the forefront in the continuous development of local products Awareness of Cyberbullying Through Digital Intervention”, by Swinburne University
such as Litsara Essential Oil. of Technology, the author investigated the factors associated with cyberbullying,
Another agency actively engaging in enabling scientific findings into sustainable encompassing elements like family interactions, psychological aspects, and factors related
income is the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC). One (1) SRDC-funded to awareness and personal encounters. Initial efforts to develop a game-based solution to
research project with immense potential is also highlighted. The project is highlighted in curb the cyberbullying problem were also presented.
the article “Innovations to Enhance Mobility and Aid Home Caregivers.” The project is Sustainability has been a major theme in Sarawak’s economic development.
undertaken by Curtin University Malaysia and Twintech Sdn Bhd respectively. The mobility The featured article titled “Sarawak Sustainability Resources for Engineered Timber
device in development presents an innovative solution to move and transfer patients Products”, by the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) introduces the Center of
without lifting. The workings of the prototype dubbed “wondermock” are presented in Excellence in Wood Engineered Products (CeWEP), aiming to enhance the involvement of
the article showing that progress in such biomedical fields can be nurtured locally if the the local Sarawak timber industry. Various initiatives have been implemented to diversify
right efforts and motivations are given. engineered wood products like plywood and particle board, ensuring their sustainability,
Sarawak has been constantly educating and investing resources in digital durability, and versatility. Innovative Product such as cross-laminated parquet (Eco-CLP)
education and efforts to boost digital capability in increasing efficiency and economic was highlighted and proving Malaysia’s potential as an innovative hub for wood products.
growth. Among others, the Internet of Things (IoT) has been at the forefront of Sago has been a staple among indigenous groups in Sarawak and still holds
spearheading the digitalisation agenda, especially in the smart city context. In the article much potential for product development. In the article “Retrospective on Sago Palm
“Using IoT to Monitor Water Level and Pressure”, the author from Sarawak Skills Misimpression with Advanced Biotechnological Approach”, by i-CATS University
presented a monitoring system for sustainable water flow developed utilizing water College, the author presented various applications of industrial biotechnology in
pressure sensors. These sensors produce signals to gauge the pressure within the pipe developing novel sago-based products. These include bioethanol organic fertilizers,
system. An innovative method has been devised to automatically transmit water pressure prebiotics, hand sanitizers, and animal feed.
readings, indicating these values to users via smartphones and computers. This approach Last but not least, an article on the empowerment of students in English proficiency
facilitates the swift identification of any issues within the water line. was also featured. There is no shortage of concerns about the declining English proficiency
Among the various Sarawak state agencies, CENTEXS (Center for Technology among students. With awareness, there is no shortage of innovations in delivering and
Excellence Sarawak) was established with the intention to train and upskill the young increasing efficiency in improving English proficiency in the State. It is wonderful to be able to
generation to meet the technical needs and requirements of the State industries focused capture some of these efforts in the article “Act-Sing-Blend: Elevating Reading Proficiency
on the trade of oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and mechatronics, and guarantee Among Malaysian Young ESL Learners’’ from the group of innovative educators from Institut
a career upon completion of their training. In the article “A Pathway to a Sustainable Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR). Positive improvements were recorded.
Future: CENTEXS towards Human Capital Development for Green Energy Transition”, This is indeed a long marathon race to continue to lift English proficiency while science and
these efforts and facilities are highlighted. The state-of-the-art facilities in training digital development continue to spur economic development.
include solar, wind, and hydrogen testbeds. These facilities are crucial in upskilling and A Latin phrase summarises our efforts, carpe diem. We should seize the day.
reskilling the Sarawak youth in preparation for the State’s vision to be a sustainable energy Strive for progress in 2024. I want to congratulate the editorial team for their diligence,
powerhouse in the region. hard work, and commitment to the publication of Synthesis Sarawak
From the context of sustainability, waste to product has always been the
epitome of sustainability ideals. From waste to chemical products, the article “From Datu Haji Azmi bin Haji Bujang
Food Scraps to Eco-Enzyme Marvels: A Sustainable Multipurpose Organic Liquid” by Permanent Secretary
Curtin University Malaysia reports on ways to reduce waste by transforming it into useful Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak

viii Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 ix

 Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI)

A Biological Threat to
the Oil Palm Industry:
Ganoderma boninense
Herman Umbau Lindang, Lo Mei Lieng, Frazer Midot, Jee Mui Sie,
Chin Mei-Yee, Saron Lau Yu Ling and Lulie Melling
Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute

Oil palm is renowned as the “golden crop of Malaysia” due to its highly profitable
export earnings. Oil palm trees, (scientifically called Elaeis guineensis), the world’s
leading source of vegetable oil and fat due to its exceptional yield is the predominant
species cultivated. Oil palm is widely grown in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with
Malaysia and Indonesia among the top producers and exporters, followed by Thailand,
Colombia, and Nigeria. The high demand for palm oil is due to its availability and
productivity advantage over other oil-producing crops such as soybean, sunflower,
and rapeseed.
Malaysia, the second-largest palm oil producer in the world, contributed
to 23.3% of global palm oil output and 31.1% of global palm oil exports in 2022. The
total oil palm planted area in the country as of June 2023 was 5.65 million hectares.
Of which Sarawak constitutes 28.7% of the oil palm planted area. Oil palm accounted
for 37.1% of Malaysia agricultural gross domestic production in 2021. Hence, the
sustainability of the oil palm industry is crucial for the country’s future economic
growth, social development, and environmental conservation.
However, the oil palm industry faces a significant threat from basal stem
rot (BSR) caused by Ganoderma boninense. This disease is responsible for nearly
one-third of global production losses and annual yield losses of up to USD 500
million (Zakaria, 2023). Consequently, Sarawak with 1.62 million hectares or 28.7%
of the total oil palm planted area is the largest in Malaysia (MPOB, 2023), has also
been severely impacted by BSR. This BSR disease also has been recorded in Africa,
Cameroon, Colombia, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Southern Thailand, and Tanzania.
Based on the climate projections, growing oil palms in Malaysia will become
more challenging until 2100 due to an unsuitable climate. Rising temperatures, water
stress, increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, yield reduction, and revenue
losses drive this challenge. The productivity of oil palms may decline by 10 to 41%

Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 1

 Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI) Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI)

with temperature increases of 1 to 4 °C (Sarkar et al., 2020). Furthermore, rising measures have only served as temporary solutions to extend the lifespan of the
temperatures alter the ecology of various pests and diseases, affecting factors such infected oil palm trees, hindering the long-term sustainability of the oil palm industry.
as their reproductive ability. Consequently, these pests and diseases gain greater Moreover, symptomless initial stages of infections make early detection challenging,
resilience to environmental changes and experience population surges, raising the risk further hampering disease management. Therefore, educating the community on how
of an epidemic or pandemic outbreak within the plantations. Malaysia’s BSR incidence to recognise and manage BSR is vital for promoting early detection and reducing
will increase significantly after 2050, along with an increase in oil palm death (Paterson, losses, contributing to a more sustainable oil palm industry.
2020). The adaptation of more virulent Ganoderma boninense strains to climate In Sarawak, Ganoderma boninense has been identified as the main
change could result in heightened disease risk for oil palm plantations. Besides, the pathogen responsible for BSR in oil palm plantations (Midot et al., 2019). Ganoderma
oil palm trees are expected to be less resistant to Ganoderma boninense infections boninense is a white-rot fungi with a wide, fan-like structure with double-walled,
caused by the changing climate and the increasingly aggressive fungal strains. truncate spores with inner layers ranging in colour from yellow to brown that grow
on tree trunks. Pure cultures of Ganoderma boninense grown on malt extract agar
are white on the surface, with a darkened (pigmented) undulating reverse surface
that buckled the agar (Picture 2). Ganoderma boninense can switch behaviour as
a hemibiotroph, switching from biotrophic to necrotrophic phase during infection
(Bharudin et al., 2022). In the early infection, G. boninense acts as a biotrophic,
absorbing nutrients from the host by colonising the root cortex and stem base
while keeping the host cells intact (Rees et al., 2009; Chong et al., 2017). This phase
is followed by the necrotrophic phase, where the G. boninense secretes cell wall-
B degrading enzymes (CWDEs) that eventually kill the host cells.
In Peninsular Malaysia, the aggressiveness of G. boninense isolates varied
across the regions (Goh et al., 2014). Similarly, Ganoderma spp. in Betong, Balingian,
and Miri, Sarawak also exhibits different levels of aggressiveness (Rakib et al., 2015;
Lo et al., 2023). This variation in the aggressiveness of Ganoderma isolates is not
unique to Malaysia. Similar observation has been reported in Indonesia (Breton et
al., 2006) and Columbia (Castillo et al., 2022). It is important to study G. boninense
aggressiveness because aggressiveness is one of the factors that determine the
A C
fitness of the pathogen.
Picture 1: (A) The oil palm affected with basal stem rot disease, (B) Ganoderma fruiting bodies on the
basal stem, and (C) decayed basal stem.

The BSR infection can be symptomless for a long period of time. Once the
infection has reached 60 to 70 %, the symptoms begin to emerge. These symptoms,
which resemble symptoms caused by drought and nutrient deficiency, are due to the
basal decay restricting water and nutrient uptake by the oil palm tree (Picture 1A).
BSR infection initially occurs through root contact with Ganoderma inoculum (e.g.
infected roots or debris) in the soil and spreads to the basal stem area. The most
obvious features of BSR are the emergence of fruiting bodies and the decay of the
basal stem (Picture 1B & 1C). In severe cases, affected palm trees will die and topple.
Numerous interventions, including mechanical (cultural), chemical, and biological
approaches, have been developed to combat this disease. Nevertheless, these control Picture 2: Back and front view of Ganoderma boninense morphology on malt extract agar.

2 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 3

 Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI) Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI)

In conclusion, the Malaysian oil palm industry generates substantial revenue Paterson, R.R.M. (2020). Oil palm survival under climate change in Malaysia with future
for the country, contributing to a range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) basal stem rot assessments. Forest Pathology, 50(6), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/
outlined by the United Nations. Oil palm supports economic growth (SDG9, 12), poverty efp.12641
alleviation (SDG 1, 8, 10), and enhanced food security (SDG2), while also creating Rakib, M.R.M., Bong, C.F.J., Khairulmazmi, A. & Idris, A.S. (2015). Aggressiveness of
long-term employment opportunities (SDG1). Despite the environmental impacts Ganoderma boninense and G. zonatum isolated from upper-and basal stem rot
of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) in Malaysia. Journal of Oil Palm Research, 27(3),
arising through the large-scale expansion of monoculture plantations associated
229–240.
with greenhouse gas emissions (SDG13), sustainable agriculture practices such as
Sarkar, M.S.K., Begum, R.A. & Pereira, J.J. (2020). Impacts of climate change on oil palm
using natural pesticides, implementing circular waste management, and adhering to
production in Malaysia. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(9),
Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, can effectively mitigate these 9760–9770. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-07601-1
negative environmental impacts. Zakaria, L. (2023). Basal stem rot of oil palm-The pathogen, disease incidence, and control
methods. Plant Disease, 107(3), 603–615. https://doi.org/

References

Bharudin, I., Ab Wahab, A. F. F., Abd Samad, M. A., Xin Yie, N., Zairun, M. A., Abu Bakar, F.
D., & Abdul Murad, A. M. (2022). Review update on the life cycle, plant–microbe
interaction, genomics, detection, and control strategies of the oil palm pathogen
Ganoderma boninense. Biology, 11, 251. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020251
Breton, F., Hasan, Y., Lubis, Z. & De Franqueville, H. (2006). Characterisation of parameters
for the development of an early screening test for basal stem rot tolerance in oil
palm progenies. Journal of Oil Palm Research, Special Issue, 24–36.
Castillo, S.Y., Rodríguez, M.C., González, L.F., Zúñiga, L.F., Mestizo, Y.A., Medina, H.C. et al.
(2022). Ganoderma zonatum Is the causal agent of basal stem rot in oil palm in
Colombia. Journal of Fungi, 8(3), 230. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8030230
Goh, Y.K., Ng, F.W., Kok, S.M., Goh, Y.K. & Goh, K.J. (2014). Aggressiveness of Ganoderma
boninense isolates on the vegetative growth of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) seedling
at different age. Malaysian Applied Biology, 43(2), 9–16.
Idris, A. S. (2009). “Basal stem rot in Malaysia-biology, economic importance, epidemiology,
detection and control,” in Proceeding of the International Workshop on Awareness,
Detection and Control of Oil Palm Devastating Diseases, Kuala Lumpur Convention
Centre, Malaysia, November 2009. 13–57
Lo, M.L., Thanh, T.A.V., Midot, F. et al. (2023) Comparison of Ganoderma boninense Isolate’s
Aggressiveness Using Infected Oil Palm Seedlings. J Microbiol. 61, 449–459 .
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00040-w
Midot, F., Lau, S. Y. L., Wong, W. C., Tung, H. J., Yap, M. L., Lo, M. L., Jee, M. S., Dom, S.
P., & Melling, L. (2019). Genetic Diversity and Demographic History of Ganoderma
boninense in Oil Palm Plantations of Sarawak, Malaysia Inferred from ITS Regions.
Microorganisms, 7(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7100464
Malaysian Palm Oil Board (2023). Pocketbook oil palm statistics Jan-Jun 2023. MPOB
Press.
Murphy, D.J., Goggin, K. & Paterson, R.R.M. (2021) Oil palm in the 2020s and beyond: challenges
and solutions. CABI Agric Biosci 2, 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43170-021-00058-3

4 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 5

 CRAUN Research

Mukah Sago Waste Treatment

Pilot Plant: A Sustainable
Solution to Sago Wastes
Daniel Chua Chun Haw and Sal Hazreen Bugam
CRAUN Research

Picture 1: Mukah Sago waste treatment pilot plant - the winner of ASEAN Renewable Energy Projects
Award 2022 - Off-Grid power category.

The Mukah Sago Waste Treatment Pilot Plant (Picture 1), nestled in Mukah, Sarawak,
Malaysia, is a groundbreaking project leading the way in the nation and the world
by transforming sago waste into biogas. Developed by CRAUN Research Sdn Bhd in
collaboration with Nitsei Sago Mill Sdn. Bhd., this plant kickstarted its operations in
May 2019. The realization of this endeavour was made possible through the generous
financial support extended by both the Federal and Sarawak state government.
Started as a research project aimed at solving the environmental problems
plaguing the local sago industry in Sarawak, which over time, the research has steadfastly
progressed and gradually translates itself into practical implementation at a larger
scale. This proof-of-concept pilot plant was established with the objectives to recover,
treat, utilize and value-add sago processing wastes. It stands proudly at Kampung
Tabo Mukah, setting a precedent as the first of its kind not only in Malaysia, but also
worldwide, capable of both treating sago waste, as well as producing bio-energy.

Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 7

 CRAUN Research CRAUN Research

From the context of waste generation, the heart of the issue for the Sago ecosystem. Therefore, it is imperative to treat SME before its discharge into the river or
industry lies in the process of starch processing itself. Sago starch processing is a any natural water bodies to safeguard the delicate balance of aquatic environments and
water-intensive process, which leads to generation of a large volume of sago mill alleviate the environmental ramifications as a result of sago starch processing.
effluent (SME) daily. With an average of 78 tons discharged for every ton of dry Thus, at the Mukah Sago Waste Treatment plant, a proactive approach is
starch produced, SME is considered as the primary pollutant from this processing. To taken to address the environmental concerns associated with SME. Instead of allowing
make matters worse, the average Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in the SME stands direct discharge of untreated SME into the river after starch processing, an intervention
at 8kg for every ton of effluent generated. High COD levels signifies a substantial strategy is implemented. The SME generated from nearby sago mill is recovered and
presence of organic matter in the untreated SME. In the case of SME, the COD is channeled to a covered anaerobic pond located within the waste treatment plant facility.
primarily contributed by the presence of soluble sugars in the spent process water, As the name implies, it is in this pond the anaerobic digestion process to treat SME takes
fine fibres, and fine starch granules - making SME a carbohydrate-based wastewater. place. This process is rooted in the principle of fermentation, wherein microorganisms
like yeast or bacteria break down organic substances such as starch and sugar in the
absence of oxygen—akin to the way a cup of kombucha undergoes its transformative
process. Much like kombucha ferments to produce a delightful beverage, the anaerobic
pond functions as a giant fermenter, adept at transforming SME into treated water with
Sago mill reduced organic pollutants to be safely discharged to the river. Remarkably this pilot
plant has the capability to reduce the COD content in the SME by more than 90%.
Biogas
Biogas flaring facility

SME intake facility ST pond River

Biogas Anaerobic reactor (ADR)

Power and heat generator

Gas cleaning facility
Picture 2: Simplified process flow diagram for Mukah Sago waste treatment pilot plant.

In the event that untreated SME are released into the river, the repercussions
are intricately tied to the existing aquatic ecosystem. The influx of carbohydrate-rich SME
prompts resident river microorganisms to naturally degrade the organic substances in
the effluent. This underwater microbial community initiates a vibrant feast, consuming Picture 3:
nutrients in the SME - much like individuals diving into a buffet. While breaking down Overview of scope
organic matter, this microbial activity also avidly depletes oxygen from the water, leading 1,2 and 3 of Sago
Waste Recovery,
to a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels. Insufficient dissolved oxygen poses a threat to Treatment and
aquatic life, as various species of fish and other aquatic organisms heavily depend on Utilization Pilot
oxygen for survival. Over time, the continuous discharge of untreated SME into the river Plant.
can result in oxygen deprivation for aquatic organisms and adversely impacting the

8 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 9

 CRAUN Research Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC)

However, the wonder does not end there. This anaerobic process presents a
two-fold benefit by not only producing treated effluent but also generating valuable
biogas (Picture 2, 3). The cover of the anaerobic pond traps gases, including methane
- a byproduct that opens avenues for product innovation and value creation. For
instance, the recovered biogas circles back to the plant itself, where it is stored and
utilized as a clean energy source for electricity generation, as well as fuel for burners. The Hidden Treasure of
Hot air generated from the burner will then be further utilized for drying of sago
hampas (fibres). Hampas is the fibrous remnant from starch processing, and this goes
Nature: The Journey of
without saying that it typically contains high moisture. Interestingly, dried hampas Sarawak’s Unique LitSara®
can be valorised as nutritious animal feed - another sustainable twist in this tale.
In addition, following a series of carefully orchestrated processes, some of the raw Essential Oil
biogas produced can also be further upgraded to have a higher energy content. This
upgraded biogas becomes suitable for cooking or heating purposes in households, Edited by
positively impacting the lives of local residents in the most heartwarming way. Melissa Chang May Fung
In a nutshell, the Mukah Sago Waste Treatment Pilot Plant provides a model Sarawak Biodiversity Centre
to other sago mills that are struggling with sago waste management. At the foremost,
the plant also exemplified how sustainable development can be embodied within the In the heart of Sarawak’s rainforest, a captivating scent drifts through the air, bringing
Sarawak sago industry through technology and innovative ideas to recover, treat, out the fragrances of citronella or lemongrass. The source of this invigorating fragrance
utilize and value-add sago wastes. Apart from the obvious environmental benefit, the is from a tree, known locally as Tenem by the Lun Bawang or Pahkak by the Bidayuh.
establishment of this pilot plant also reinforced the socioeconomic lifeline of the local This aromatic journey in 2005 began with the late Mr Taie Puret, a forest guide and
community through job creation and clean energy generation. This project is expected local medicinal plant expert from the Lun Bawang community. Mr Taie introduced the
to lead the sago industry towards the aspiration to fulfill the Sustainable Development tiny berry-like fruits of the Litsea cubeba tree, which had been a fundamental part of
Goals 7 for affordable and clean energy, set by the United Nations General Assembly the traditions of several ethnic groups in Sarawak for generations.
in 2015. These vibrant berries, with lemony scent and minty taste, were more than just
a spicy condiment to accompany rice; they were also cherished as a natural remedy,
believed to ease stomach and backaches. The aroma they released was nothing short
of enchanting. Belonging to the Lauraceae family, the Litsea cubeba flourishes in its
natural habitat, emitting a strong and intense fragrance characterised by citrusy and
lemony scent, attributed to compounds like D-limonene and citronellal.

Picture 1: Litsea cubeba fruits. Picture 2: Litsea cubeba leaves.

10 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 11

 Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC)

The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre’s (SBC) team, driven by a sense of These exceptional products were introduced to the world under the brand
curiosity and appreciation for the local cultures, documented the usage of this name “LitSara®”, a fusion of Litsea and Sarawak. The LitSara® product line included
plant, scientifically known as Litsea cubeba, and preserved this precious Traditional soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hand sanitiser, body oil and air fresheners. The
Knowledge. SBC took several cuttings of the Litsea cubeba tree back to the Centre journey of LitSara® essential oil from the heart of the jungle to the consumer market was
with a goal to study the secrets of this remarkable tree. nothing short of extraordinary. What set this endeavour apart was the commitment of
The SBC Traditional Knowledge (TK) documentation programme aims to SBC to ensure that all the benefits were equitably shared with the local communities.
safeguard indigenous communities’ ancient wisdom, which has been handed down Combining science with the indigenous communities’ knowledge, we create innovative
through the ages. This is achieved by recording and documenting their traditional products for everyday use. The products can be purchased from LitSara® website at
knowledge digitally. This way, their valuable heritage is preserved, ensuring it will www.litsara.com or at Shopee store via www.shopee.com.my/litsara.
not be lost to the future generations. This commitment aligned with global standards set by the 1992 Rio de
Back at SBC, scientists analysed the chemistry of the Litsea cubeba Janeiro Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the 2010 Nagoya Protocol.
plant meticulously. What they discovered left them exhilarated – the essential oil The Nagoya Protocol recognises rights of indigenous communities to manage and
composition of Sarawak’s Litsea cubeba was distinctively different from closely reap the benefits of the commercialisation of the biological resources in their area.
related Litsea plants found in the highlands of China and Taiwan, which were also Any new findings derived from their Traditional Knowledge are shared with the
used for medicinal purposes. This uniqueness prompted the SBC to register the community, nurturing a sense of empowerment and pride.
local tree as “Sarawak Litsea,” securing Intellectual Property protection for this
botanical treasure.
But the discovery did not stop there. The research team also uncovered
that Sarawak’s Litsea oil possessed both antimicrobial and repellent properties.
Additionally, its scent was described as invigorating and crisp. These revelations
marked the inception of a remarkable journey that spanned over a decade,
culminating in the creation of a range of delightfully-scented personal care
products.

Figure 4: Benefit Sharing Agreement Signing Ceremony for LitSara® Project conducted on 21st May 2022, signed
between Sarawak Biodiversity Council Chairman, Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, with 6 communities, witnessed by
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is a crucial aspect in CBD. It aligns with
one of the three primary objectives of the Convention, which is consistent with the
preservation and sustainable utilisation of biodiversity. SBC has formalised Benefit
Picture 3: Lun
Bawang community Sharing Agreements (BSA) with (6) six villages, including Kampung Kiding, Pa’
member, Mina Ukat, Pa’ Lungan, Long Kerebangan, Long Telingan, and Long Rusu to harvest Litsea
Sudai, from Long cubeba essential oil. Since its inception in 2017, LitSara® has significantly contributed
Telingan, Lawas,
with LitSara® to these communities by creating employment opportunities and additional income
products. streams, ultimately enhancing their socio-economic well-being.

12 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 13

 Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC)

In addition to harvesting the Litsea essential oil, SBC also conducts Supplementary educational section
regular workshops aimed at sharing new information on growing Litsea trees.
They also conduct classes on essential oil extraction via distillation method, as Distillation Technology for Essential Oil Extraction
well as soap-making to enable the locals to craft their own products from these
precious oils. Distillation is a method used for essential oil extraction from plant sources. This
Monetary gains materialise upon the commercialisation of products. In the process involves the use of steam or water to separate the volatile aromatic
case of LitSara® products, the SBC purchases the essential oils produced by the compounds from the plant material. The set up consists of a distillation vessel, a
locals at a reasonable price, ensuring that the economic prosperity resulting from condenser, a collection flask, and a separatory funnel. The essential oil is separated
these products directly contributes to the welfare of the community. This fair-trade from the water and collected in the separatory funnel. The plant material containing
approach fosters economic stability and incentivises sustainable practices. the aromatic compounds, such as flowers or leaves, is placed in the distillation vessel.
Today, six villages in Sarawak are involved in the sustainable production of The process begins by heating water in the distillation vessel. The heat generated
LitSara® essential oil, with an annual production target of 100 litres. This endeavour from the boiling water causes plant’s cell walls to break, releasing the essential
has extended beyond the Lun Bawang villages, as the SBC expanded its reach to oils carries the aromatic compounds from the plant material. In the condenser, the
collaborate with the Kelabit and Iban communities once it became apparent that steam and vaporised compounds are cooled and condensed back into liquid form.
they also utilised the Litsea plant. This forms a mixture of water and essential oil. The essential oil floats on top of
In summary, the journey of Sarawak Litsea essential oil is a testament to the water because it is less dense than water. Finally, the essential oil layer is then
the harmonious relationship between nature, traditional knowledge, and modern drained from the collection flask into a separatory funnel, where it is separated from
science. It highlights the importance of preserving indigenous wisdom and sharing any remaining water.
the benefits of biodiversity with local communities. This humble Litsea cubeba tree,
with its scented tiny fruits, has indeed earned a well-deserved place among the
premium ranks of essential oils. Its journey serves as a powerful example of how
nature’s treasures can be harnessed sustainably and ethically, leaving a positive
impact on both the environment and the lives of those who have guarded its secrets
for generations.

Picture 5: Lun Bawang community member, Asun @ Agong Bin Lawat, from Long Kerebangan,
Lawas placing leaves of Litsea cubeba into the distillation vessel.

14 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 15

 Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC)

Trivia for children/students

Picture 6: Asun @ Agong Bin Lawat draining water from the separatory funnel to separate the water
and collect the essential oil that floats on the water.

1. Scientific name of the plant used in LitSara® products.

2. A compound found in LitSara® essential oil which is similar to a major component
in the oil of citrus fruit peels.
3. “LitSara®” is a fusion of the word Litsea and _________.
4. LitSara® scent was described as _________ and crisp.
5. A technology used for essential oil extraction.
6. SBC has formalised Benefit Sharing Agreements (BSA) with ______ villages.
7. Long Kerebangan is located in _______, Sarawak.
8. LitSara® oil can be extracted from the leaves and ______.
9. ______ compounds are usually found in flowers or leaves.
Picture 7: Lun Bawang community member, Joe Padan, from Long Kerebangan, Lawas, observing 10. Oil floats on water because of ______.
the quality and amount of pure essential oil collected from Litsea cubeba leaves.

Please refer to page 77 for solutions.

16 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 17

 Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC)

BrightSparx: Fostering
Innovation and Empowering
Visionaries
Where Fun Meets Learning, and Ideas Ignite

Felicia Chin, Eve Sanedi and Kelly Yeo

Sarawak Research and Development Council

In the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), innovation

is the driving force that propels us forward. It is the spark that ignites creativity
and fuels progress. The BrightSparx program, initiated by the Sarawak Research
and Development Council (SRDC), aims to introduce young students to the world
of research. This program stands at the intersection of STEM principles, offering a
dynamic platform for budding visionaries to transform their ideas into tangible reality.

BrightSparx Achievements: From Vision to Impact

The SRDC’s BrightSparx fund allocates RM5,000 to each project. This program has
sparked a range of trailblazing innovations, and SRDC has recently celebrated a
series of outstanding projects that demonstrate inventive solutions in various fields.
Here are some noteworthy examples:
Waste takes on a new life as a valuable resource. The SMK Batu Lintang
School team has introduced an innovative approach to waste management, resulting
in the creation of a bio dressing sourced from biomass. This not only elevates the
quality of healthcare but also contributes to a sustainable future.
Meanwhile, SMK Sungai Tapang School has delved into the realm of health
supplements, creating a plant-based brain health capsule using natural products.
This effort reflects the school’s dedication to stay in line with the increasing global
preference for natural and sustainable approaches.
On the engineering front, St Joseph Private School introduced Oil Palm
Shells (OPS) as a green alternative for concrete aggregates, a stride towards eco-
conscious construction materials.

Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 19

 Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC)

Lastly, SMK Semerah Padi school’s project has gained recognition for their Encouraging Future Innovators
natural-based insect repellent product, “Citrus Medicass Repellent”, employing
natural ingredients like lime, ‘selukai bark’, and lemon grass to ward off household The journey is far from over. BrightSparx is extending an open invitation to all those
pests. The project demonstrates creativity and point towards a future that is both with a spark of creativity and a love for STEM. Share this article, ignite conversations,
sustainable and innovative. and encourage anyone with a brilliant STEM-related idea to take that bold step
forward. Together, we can shape a future where innovation is not just a possibility,
but a promise. The BrightSparx programme contributes to the 4th Sustainable
The BrightSparx Program: Unleashing the Potential Development Goal which is SDG 4 : Quality Education.

BrightSparx is more than just a program; it’s a launchpad for imagination. It provides
a platform for students with exceptional STEM-related ideas and proposals to
receive the support, resources, and mentorship needed to bring their vision to life.
Whether you are a primary or secondary school student, BrightSparx believes that
every great idea deserves a chance to shine.
BrightSparx projects are driven by the students themselves, focusing
on important matters within their local communities, ranging from environmental
issues to the responsible use of resources. Engaging in BrightSparx projects not
only fosters leadership and teamwork skills but also raises awareness, deepens
understanding, and seeks solutions for pressing local problems.

A Fun Memory: The Science Carnival Experience with BrightSparx

Have you ever observed the process of microbes thriving on a slice of bread? Isn’t
it miraculous to experience the thrill of observing a sterling engine turning solely
through the combustion of fire, witnessing the conversion of energy? These are
the moments that leave us a lasting impression, sparking an enduring interest in
exploration.
Incorporating the BrightSparx program, we had the pleasure of creating
a lasting memory during the science carnival, STEM Trailblazer 2023. Envision the
event as a lively carnival of scientific exploration, where sights and sounds come
alive. Hands-on experiments, interactive displays, and engaging demonstrations
captivate the imagination of both kids and adults.
The STEM Trailblazer events held at Curtin University, Miri and Swinburne
University, Kuching was truly enlightening. These events, a collaborative effort
between universities and with the invaluable support of the Sarawak government,
strive to commemorate the impact of STEM on revolutionizing innovation, education, Picture 1: (above) Sarawak Research and Development Council team participating in the STEM
and industry. Trailblazer event as an exhibitor at Curtin University, Miri and Swinburne University, Kuching.

20 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 21

 Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC)

Innovations to Enhance
Mobility and Aid Home
Caregivers
Dr. John Tang and Louis Tang
Twin Catalyst Sdn. Bhd.

About 35–80% of nurses sustain back injuries from lifting patients. For caregivers
with inadequate formal training, the percentage could increase. This typically
leads to burnout and stress. Conversely, at any given point in time, there could be
anywhere between 10 and 50 million bedridden people around the world.
In light of this, Twin Catalyst Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian company based in Sibu,
has received funding from the Sarawak Research & Development Council (SRDC) to
develop and commercialize a new lifter wheelchair that promises to disrupt caring
for people with disabilities. The innovative lifter wheelchair, called the Wondaleaf
Hammock Wheelchair, is designed to help caregivers move bedridden patients
without manually carrying them.
By combining the features of a wheelchair, forklift, and hammock, caregivers
can move and transfer patients without having to manually lift them. A cloth will act
as a pallet, while the wheelchair with two prongs acts like a forklift.
The patent-pending and award-winning Wondaleaf Hammock Wheelchair
(Lexus Design Award Finalist 2022 and iAge Innovation Competition Gold Medalist)
was entirely designed and made in Sibu, Sarawak. The staff at Twin Catalyst Sdn.
Bhd. worked with local universities (University Technology Sarawak) and other local
vendors to complete the design.

It is designed to:

i. eliminate lifting;
ii. be battery-powered;
iii. enable single-person caregiving;
iv. transfer patients to and from any platform; and
v. reduce the stress of caregiving.

Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 23

 Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC)

According to the General Manager of SRDC, Dr. Peter Morin Nissom,

“the Wondaleaf Hammock Wheelchair represents just one example of the many
innovative products and technologies being developed by Sarawakian companies
with the support of the SRDC. From renewable energy solutions to the prevention
of soil erosion, SRDC is playing a critical role in driving innovation and progress in
Sarawak and beyond.”

Despite receiving interest from buyers in the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, and SRDC’s support for companies like Twin Catalyst is a testament to the
Italy, the Wondaleaf Hammock Wheelchair is required to undergo clinical and bench importance of investing in research and development and to the critical role that
testing to ensure it conforms to internationally recognized standards prior to sale. To innovation can play in driving social and economic progress, especially in the
that end, the SRDC, as part of its mission to enhance research standards and capabilities, Sarawak central region.
funded the project to conduct clinical trials, perform testing per ISO and IEC standards, Looking ahead, it is clear that there will be many more challenges
and commence sales. and opportunities to come and that the need for innovative solutions will only
According to the CEO of Twin Catalyst Sdn Bhd, Dr. John Tang Ing Ching, continue to grow. SRDC’s support for innovation and progress will be more
the funding provided by SRDC has been instrumental not just in helping the company important than ever.
develop the Wondaleaf Hammock Wheelchair but also in kickstarting the medical This innovation is in line with two of the Sustainability Development Goals,
device manufacturing industry in Sarawak. “The wheelchair requires a lot of testing and which are SDG 3 : Good Health and Well-being and SDG 9 : Industry, Innovation, and
workmanship; we can kickstart these industries here in Sarawak and help enhance more Infrastructure.
innovation in this space in the future”.
The Wondaleaf Hammock Wheelchair is currently in the testing phase, with
plans to launch the product in 2024.

24 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 25

 Sarawak Skills

USING IoT TO MONITOR WATER

LEVEL AND PRESSURE
Brenda Alexander Anak Alaw1 and Kennedy Anak Saba2
Sarawak Skills

Incidents of unscheduled disruptions are beyond the control of the water operator.
It happens when there is equipment damage in the plant, and unexpected burst or
leaking pipes. Therefore, there is a dire need for possible solutions to overcome this
crisis. For this purpose, a suitable method is needed to monitor the water pressure
of the pipeline, and to ensure that the water tank is filled. It must also be filtered so
that the water is clean and safe.
Our objective is to design a sustainable water flow monitoring system
using water pressure sensors. These sensors will generate signals to measure the
water pressure in the pipe lining. A new approach was created to automatically
implement water pressure meter readings to indicate the pressure value in the
pipeline by sending the information to the user’s smartphone and computer. Hence,
it is easy to identify if the water line encounters problems.
The proposed smart monitoring approach differs from the existing
commercial methodologies by using Internet of Things (IoT) hardware and
smartphone applications. This allows both the water pressure meter readers and
individual domestic/industrial users to use smartphones to take meter readings
and carry out repairs in the event of a water line problem. This will make it easier
for users to identify channel damage and water pressure used in the housing
sectors.

In developing this project, several problems were identified:

I. Low water level in the storage tank;

II. Old pipes with accumulated dirt/rust; and
III. Difficulty in identifying leaks in pipelines.

Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 27

 Sarawak Skills Sarawak Skills

Based on the above, the following solutions were proposed:

I. The use of a water pump connected to the tank so that the pressure in the
pipeline is stable;
II. The use of a water filter to maintain water quality and cleanliness; and
III. The use of water pressure sensors to monitor the water pressure value - the
data will be monitored by using a smartphone.

There were five (5) phases in the development of this project, namely Arduino Uno
the design phase, the purchase phase, the development phase, the testing phase,
and the evaluation phase. The planning phase consisted of the selection of suitable
A mechanical system is a system that manages the power of forces and
projects. The purchase phase involved selection and purchase of materials and
movements to accomplish a task. For example, a water pump will pressurize the
necessary equipment used for the project. The development phase involved
water to pass through the sensor so that the sensor can detect the movement of
materials and equipment used for project development. This phase focused on
water on the pipe stem.
the quality of materials and equipment during the development of the project.
A water flow sensor monitors the water line and incorporates a pinwheel
The development of this project will be illustrated by design sketches, hardware
sensor to measure the amount of liquid that has passed through it. There is an
development and schematic electronic circuit wiring. The testing phase included
integrated magnetic Hall Effect sensor that outputs an electrical pulse with every
testing the functionality of the product. This phase ensured that the developed
revolution. The Hall Effect sensor is sealed from the water pipe and allows the sensor
product is fully functional according to the product’s objectives. Finally, the
to be used safely.
evaluation phase involved detailed evaluation of the water pressure monitoring
project and the automatic water level tank.
The project elements comprise coding, embedded system, mechanical
system and Internet of Things. In this respect, the C++ language provides a
mechanism for mixing code compiled by compatible C and C++ compilers in
the same programme. Programmers can experience varying degrees of success
when compiling that code to different platforms and compilers. It shows
how to solve common problems that arise when simple errors may occur in
a programme. To resolve errors that occur in the programming, the use of
application is required to configure the coding by using the Oracle Developer
Water Flow Sensor
Studio C and C++ compilers.
An embedded system is a microprocessor-based computer hardware
system with software that is designed to perform a dedicated function, either as A water pump is a machine or mechanical equipment designed to lift liquid
an independent system or as a part of a large system. At the core is an integrated from a low level to a high level or to move liquid from a low-pressure area to a high-
circuit designed to carry out computation for real-time operations. Arduino Uno, pressure area, serving as a booster in a piping network system. This application is
a microcontroller board is based on the ATmega328P (datasheet). It has 14 digital common in heavy-duty equipment where high discharge pressure and low suction
input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 pressure are often required. The pump operates by drawing fluid from a certain
MHz ceramic resonator (CSTCE16M0V53-R0), a USB connection, a power jack, an depth due to the low pressure at the suction side, and then, propelled by the high
ICSP header and a reset button. It is a microcontroller to control the water level in pressure at the discharge side, it pushes the fluid to the desired height.
the tank and the water pressure in the channel. This circuit will be connected to the A water filter removes impurities by reducing water contamination through
water pump and the water pressure sensor. a fine physical barrier, a chemical process, or a biological process. Filters purify water

28 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 29

 Sarawak Skills Sarawak Skills

Water Pump

for various purposes, including providing agricultural irrigation, ensuring accessible

drinking water, maintaining public and private aquariums, and facilitating the safe
NodeMCU
use of ponds and swimming pools.
A water tank is a container designed for storing water, serving various
applications such as drinking water, irrigation in agriculture, fire suppression,
farming (for both plants and livestock), chemical manufacturing, food preparation,
and many other uses. Water tanks offer an efficient solution to help developing
countries store clean water.
The internet of things (IOT) describes devices with sensors, processing
ability, software and other technologies that connect and exchange data with
other devices and systems over the internet or other communications network.
The internet of things encompasses electronics, communication, and computer
science engineering. The devices only need to be connected to a network, and to be
individually addressable. For example, the measured sensor value will be displayed
on the website’s dashboard to demonstrate the water movement value. NodeMCU
is an open-source firmware for which open-source prototyping board designs are
available. The name “NodeMCU” combines “node” and “MCU” (micro-controller unit).
The term “NodeMCU” refers to the firmware rather than the associated development
Prototype: Using IoT to monitor water level and pressure.
kits. It is used to control and monitor sensor values and displayed on smartphones.
The microcontroller will connect to the cloud for data storage.
This project is an important step forward for users to monitor the
stability of the water pressure, to get water without restriction, and to facilitate Note:
maintenance by monitoring the indicators via their smartphones. This project 1. During Borneo International Innovation & Invention Competition 2023, this student project (Electronic
& Electrical Technology Programme) won the Silver Award.
will also be useful for the housing sector by making it easier for users to identify
2. This article is in line with Sustainable Development Goal No. 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
pipeline problems.
This project is an important step forward for users to monitor the stability
of the water pressure, to get water without restriction, and to facilitate maintenance
by monitoring the indicators via their smartphones. This project will also be useful
for the housing sector by making it easier for users to identify pipeline problems.

30 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 31

 Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS)

TOWARDS HUMAN CAPITAL

DEVELOPMENT FOR GREEN AND
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Dr. Dayang Hanani binti Abang Ibrahim
Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak

Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), formerly known as Centre of

Technical Excellence Sarawak was established on 1st October 2014. Since its inception
in 2014, CENTEXS has been entrusted to meet the needs of industries by upskilling
and reskilling of youth and industry employees. CENTEXS has widened its target
group beyond school leavers and industry workers, but also to include University
Graduates especially those who wish to improve further their competencies as
some jobs without competencies are getting more competitive and difficult to get
employment. Nowadays, Competency Based Training is also gaining popularity
amongst University Graduates, CENTEXS has been an avenue for them to produce a
well-grounded graduate for the nation’s industry and service sectors.
CENTEXS is driven by Sarawak Economy Progression in a series of economic
waves started from Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Pan Borneo Highway, Digital
Economy, and a new wave towards the Hydrogen Economy, in line with Sarawak’s

Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 33

 Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS)

Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), and also with Malaysia Economy
MADANI, Malaysia New Industry Malaysia Plan (NIMP 2030). Therefore, CENTEXS is
aligning its training towards the High Growth High Value (HGHV) Industry. CENTEXS
is always taking proactive approach to understanding and searching for industry
needs and to helping them progress by supplying talent and training them to fulfill
the needs of the State and Nation. CENTEXS has two main academies: Industry &
ESG Academy (IESG), and Digital & Green Energy Academy (DGA).
In ensuring to provide the right skills set needed by the industry, we
work together with strategic partners who are the leaders in the industry, thus the
partners can provide guidance, share best practices and help kickstart the digital
and industry transformation process. Therefore, the training that we provide
is job-tailored by equipping our trainees with the precise skills and knowledge
needed for the role, allowing them to seamlessly transition into their job, in other
words ‘plug and play’.
CENTEXS Strategic partners include Huawei, EON Reality, Keysight, Bosch
Rexroth, Next Schlumberger (SLB), The Welding Institute (TWI), Solarvest and many
others.
All the training programmes that we offer are cross-functionality for many
industrial sectors. Embracing High Growth High Value (HGHV) advanced digital
technology is very crucial to drive innovation, enhance productivity and create new
opportunities for economic growth. Therefore, CENTEXS is also intensively working
on Electric Vehicle (EV) Advanced technology and Green Energy technologies.
This also includes artificial intelligence, big data analytics, IoT (Internet of Things),
Android Mobile Application Development and others.
Apart from its training programmes, CENTEXS also conducted Testbeds
and Industry projects. This is important to ensure all the programmes are always
current and relevant to the industries. There are eleven (11) testbeds where all the
testbeds involve technologies are: (1) Juma’ani Pavilion, (2) Solar, Wind & Hydrogen,
(3) 5G & Starlink Satellite, (4) Construction Automation and etc. By implementing
testbeds, we can take this as validation points for new technologies, processes, or
solutions before full-scale implementation.
For every training programme that we plan to offer, we must deep dive
ensuring our in-depth understanding of the Digital and Green Energy subject
including the industry and technology applications, the right skill set, as well as the
ecosystem required to enable seamless integration into the industry workforce.
In realising this, Digital and Green Energy Academy has seven (7) focus areas
that include (i) Digital Hardware/ Telecommunication, (ii) Big Data, Data Analytics,
Artificial Intelligence, (iii) Software, (iv) Immersive Technologies, (v) Internet of
Things, Industry 4.0, Robotics, Automation, Microelectronics, (vi) Digital Marketing,
(vii) Cloud & Data Centre Security and Blockchain, and (viii) Green Energy.

34 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 35

 Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS)

CENTEXS under Digital and Green Energy Academy is offering Certificate in learn from the proven technologies in the Energy industry. Grid-connected and
Smart Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Certificate in Green Mobility and Storage, and Certificate ground-mounted smart Artificial Intelligence (AI) solar PV systems are also set
in Green Hydrogen training programmes in collaboration with Huawei and Solarvest. up to provide learners with an understanding of where this can be applied in
Under the Certificate in Smart Solar Photovoltaic (PV), trainees learn the design and various scenarios in the solar market; residential, commercial industrial, and
sizing of solar PV systems, PV components, and the calculation of solar irradiation. utility. The combined solar testbed built on the rooftop and at the ground has
For the Certificate in Green Mobility and Storage programme, trainees learn about the a total installed capacity of 425kwp, and 804 solar panels, which is the biggest
basics and trends of Electric Vehicles (EV), charging technologies, and battery storage. rooftop solar system in Sarawak. The solar testbed is integrated with a battery
CENTEXS also provides e-scooters that use swappable batteries for teaching aid. storage system to simulate on-off-grid operation.
In the Green Hydrogen programme, trainees discover more about the basics • Secondly, the hydrogen system that operates in hybrid mode either on or off
of Hydrogen, hydrogen production and its value chain, fuel cells and electrolyser the grid. It can be fully powered by an on-site solar system to generate green
components, and their applications. The trainees will also learn how to produce hydrogen to power up the 5G telco system by hydrogen fuel cell. The wind
Green Hydrogen through electrolysis from water and solar energy. University testbed is in progress. In CENTEXS, we are also experiencing the capability of
graduates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science are eligible for these Electric Vehicles with KIA EV6 and E-scooters.
training programmes. We have successfully rolled out our first batch of students in
the previous July 2023 intake, with 10 university graduates from UNIMAS. These testbeds furthermore facilitate everyone especially the industries,
CENTEXS is also offering a Certificate in Environmental, Social and Governance a better understanding of the challenges, solutions and requirements involved in
(ESG) for Enterprise, that focuses on building knowledge on sustainability challenges deploying solar and battery energy storage systems in green hydrogen production,
for reaching net zero and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). ultimately promoting the scalability of green hydrogen technology in Sarawak and
the region. On a larger scale, these testbeds initiative is an innovation platform
with a real working environment to showcase the technology, conduct research
A Pathway to a Sustainable Future: CENTEXS towards human and training, and accelerate workforce and industry transformation. Therefore,
capital development for Green Energy transition these testbeds are crucial for the development of training programmes to always
stay current and relevant.
The Digital and Green Energy Academy at CENTEXS Kuching is more than an
institution; a pathway to a sustainable future. By linking digital technology with
green energy solutions, the academy empowers trainees to be leaders in the
transition to a greener, more sustainable world.
CENTEXS has eleven (11) testbeds, however, in this article we are focusing
on the CENTEXS Solar, Wind and Hydrogen Testbed, which is aligned with
Sarawak’s aspiration in renewable energy. Based on the needs from the Energy
industry on required skilled manpower, we are currently offering foundation training
programmes on electric and hydrogen, and soon towards high-skilled advanced
training programmes.

Solar, Wind and Hydrogen Testbed

The testbed includes two components:

• Firstly, on the energy generated from the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system. The
solar PV rooftop is set up in CENTEXS where the learners can experience and

36 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 37

 Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Curtin University

Our commitment to upskilling and reskilling does not stop here, it

extends to commercialisation by any interested parties, as one of our strategies
to bring proven and tested technologies into the market for the industries. This
includes Hydrogen and EV Valley, Residentials and Commercials, and Power
Plants. As the market grows, the need for highly specialised and skilled manpower
is increasing. Therefore, CENTEXS is ever ready to meet the demands of industry
From Food Scraps to
where our training continuously evolving more in-depth into advanced training Eco-Enzyme Marvels: A
Sustainable Multipurpose
programmes. We envisioned those digital technologies are set to make green
energy systems to be more connected, intelligent, efficient, reliable, and most
importantly sustainable.
In conclusion, skilled workforce and talent development are vital for
Organic Liquid
economic growth. They enhance productivity, foster innovation, attract investment,
Sie Yon Lau*, Evelyn Chiong Tung and Chiong Shiong Ting
promote global competitiveness, reduce unemployment and increase resilience to
Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Science, Curtin University Malaysia
economic changes. By investing development of human capital, Sarawak is able to *Corresponding Author
create a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

Background
Food waste is a global issue, with a substantial portion arising from kitchen waste
and food scraps (Picture 1). According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO), approximately one-third of all food produced for human
consumption, equivalent to about 1.3 billion tons, is lost or wasted globally every year.
A significant share of this waste comes from households. Malaysia faces a notable
challenge with kitchen waste and food scraps. The excessive food waste disposal
is a common issue in urban and rural areas. As of 2018, reports indicate that food
waste in Malaysia has reached alarming levels. The food discarded in the country is
sufficient to feed around 12 million people daily. As per the findings of Mohammad
Diah Wahari, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Solid Waste Management and
Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp), Malaysians dispose of a staggering 16,688
tonnes of food waste daily. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this food waste is
deposited in landfills, reflecting the heavy reliance of Malaysians on these sites, where
95% of the discarded food ends up (Malaysian Food Waste, 2018).
By 2025, the cost of treating food waste per household is expected to
increase from RM60-RM150 to RM160-RM400. In addition, household waste, which
consists of 33% of inert materials and 48% of organic waste, also contributed to food
waste disposal. The significant volume of food production places immense strain
on the Earth’s natural resources, including land and water, resulting in increased
greenhouse gas emissions. This is primarily due to the disposal of food in landfills,
where it decomposes and generates methane, a greenhouse gas with even greater

38 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 39

 Curtin University Curtin University

What is Eco-Enzyme?

Eco-enzyme is a biologically derived, eco-friendly liquid created through a

fermentation process that involves organic waste materials. It is a versatile
and sustainable solution with applications in various fields, including cleaning,
agriculture, and wastewater treatment. The study concerning the eco-enzyme drew
the attention of the researchers when they found that of the total waste disposal,
60% were organic waste. Thus, this acknowledgment had raised the society’s
attraction as the fermented food waste possibly produces unpleasant odor and toxic
gasses such as methane gas (Vama and Cherekar, 2020).
Generally, eco-enzyme is produced through mixing the yeast (microbes)
with sugar as the nutrient substrate for the microorganism to grow and decompose
the organic waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, thus, to produce the eco-
enzyme (Nazim and Meera 2017). Most kitchen wastes comprised of fruit and
vegetable peels are commonly used in fermenting the eco-enzyme where both fruit
and vegetable peels consist of high organic acid levels that are suitable in eco-
enzyme manufacturing. The eco-enzyme production can be influential toward the
Picture 1: Waste generated during the daily preparation of meals in the kitchen.
environment and economy. One of the eco-enzymes that is produced is acetic acid
(H3COOH) and because of the presence of acetic acid, it consists of disinfectant
property that can kill the germs, viruses, and bacteria. Besides that, several enzymes
potency than carbon dioxide. Eco-enzymes can serve as a viable option for the can be found in eco-enzyme such as protease, amylase and lipase that can degrade
biological conversion of organic waste into these eco-friendly enzymes when aiming protein, starch, grease, and oil (Vama & Cherekar, 2020).
to decrease food wastage. The fermentation process in eco-enzyme production Based on the studies done by Rasit and her teams, the eco-enzyme
indirectly helps mitigate waste (Verma, 2019). Cost-effective methods with rapid produced from orange and tomato peels have excellent disinfectant properties
production cycles on a large scale should be devised to address the organic that can be used in enhancing the aerobic digestion process to treat the
waste generated by both society and individual households to keep pace with the aquaculture sludge (Rasit, Fern, and Azlina 2019). Moreover, nitrate, phosphorus
escalating industrial waste. and carbon trioxide are also the elements that can be produced by eco-enzyme
One of the capabilities of the eco-enzyme is to discompose the insoluble which are good in use as a natural fertilizer and have been used in the wastewater
organic compound into the soluble organic compounds that can be known as treatment to purify the wastewater. By substituting the fertilizer as eco-enzyme
homemade vinegar. There are several enzymes extracted from organic waste such as which is chemical free instead of the chemical fertilizer that can help in natural
protease, amylase, lipases are used to decompose or degrade large molecules into cycles such as soil treatment (Teknologi, 2020). In the view from economics
smaller compounds such as protein, carbohydrates and fats. The fermented eco- with the presence of the eco-enzyme which can help in reducing the organic
enzyme can be used as a cleaning agent, antifungal, antibacterial and insecticidal waste and transforming the waste to value-added products such as the fertilizer
agent. By altering the organic waste into the eco-enzyme, it helps reduce the and cleaning agent such as dish detergent or insectifuge. The disinfectants
saturation of the landfills provided an alternative way to transform the organic that are produced from eco-enzyme are cheaper and have greater disinfectant
waste into a value-added product. Moreover, in replacing the landfills as a prior properties compared to the marketed disinfectants. Eco-enzyme can generate
waste management method, eco-enzyme also contributes to protecting both the the profit from the waste instead of dumping all the organic waste to the open
environment and human health, minimizing the waste dumped to the open sites sites which may cause environmental and health issues (Novianti and Nengah
(Muliarta, 2021). Muliarta, 2021).

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 Curtin University Curtin University

At Curtin Malaysia, Associate Professor John Lau and his research team Procedures for Making an Organic Eco-Enzyme
have devised an enhanced variation of Effective Microorganisms (EM) for the
production of fermented eco-enzymes. This improved EM blend is created by Creating an organic eco-enzyme using Effective Microorganisms (EM) involves a
fine-tuning the proportions of beneficial bacteria, yeast, and fermenting fungi, series of uncomplicated steps. EM is a blend of beneficial microorganisms critical
resulting in significantly reduced fermentation times. Dr. John Lau emphasizes for the fermentation process. First, the organic waste, which can include fruit waste,
that microorganisms are the primary source of enzymes found in nature, playing vegetable peels, leftover food scraps, and other biodegradable materials, is finely
a pivotal role in ecological equilibrium. EM comprises naturally occurring chopped into small pieces. Reducing the waste to smaller fragments increases the
beneficial microorganisms that aid in enhancing and harmonizing soil properties, surface area, promoting microbial activity and expediting fermentation.
both chemically and physically. Additionally, it serves as an inoculant, enriching The next step is the layering of the organic waste and EM in a clean, airtight
the microbial diversity within soil ecosystems (Joshi et al., 2019). The EM blend container. The quantity of EM employed correlates with the amount of organic
encompasses a range of bacteria, including photosynthesizing bacteria, lactic acid waste used, with a typical starting ratio of 1:1 (organic waste to EM). To facilitate
bacteria, yeasts, actinomycetes, and fermenting fungi, each possessing distinct fermentation, the container is securely sealed in an airtight manner, creating an
characteristics detailed in Table 1. anaerobic environment as depicted in Figure 2(a). This sealing process prevents the
intrusion of unwanted air and microbes.
Table 1: Components of EM and their function Subsequently, the sealed container is stored in a cool, dark location,
Microorganism types Species Functions shielded from direct sunlight for a duration of 2-3 weeks, allowing the fermentation
Photosynthetic bacteria • Rhodopseudomon palustris • Amino acids, amino nucleic process to unfold. Upon completion of the fermentation period, the liquid is
• Rhodobacter spaeroides as production meticulously filtered to separate the liquid eco-enzyme from any solid waste
• Bind nitrogen from air
residues, as demonstrated in Figure 2(b).
• Converting the toxic gases

Yeasts • Saccharomyces • For the growth of the plant

• Candida utilis and promote fermentation
• Produces bioactive
substances
• Substrate for other EM

Lactic acid bacteria • Lactobacillus plantarum • Increase the rate of

• L. Casei decomposition and
• Streptococcus lactis fermentation
• Reduce and decrease the
pathogens

Actinomycetes • Streptomyces albus • Produce and antibacterial Picture 2: (a) The organic waste fermentation process carried out at Curtin Malaysia; (b) Fermented
• S. griseus matter enzyme liquid collected from container.
Fermenting fungi • Aspengillus oryzae • Contribute in decompose
• Mucor hiemalis organic matter
Potential Usage of Eco-enzyme
• Control odours
• Synthesize amino acids and
glucose from carbohydrates. The processed eco-enzyme derived from organic materials could serve as a natural and
environmentally friendly cleaning and disinfecting product. It offers an alternative to
chemical-based cleansers, which may potentially cause skin irritation (pogored, 2023).
Additionally, eco-enzymes produced from vegetable and fruit peels contain high levels

42 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 43

 Curtin University Curtin University

of organic acids, making them suitable for treating metal-based effluents. This is of
When waste is disposed of in landfills, the solid components of food waste or
particular importance as the rapid industrialization has led to a significant increase in the liquid waste may saturate the landfills, leading to potential contamination.
the generation of heavy metals and organic waste (M. Hemalatha and P. Visantini 2020). This, in turn, increases the risk of water pollution as soil with acidic or alkaline
properties could be carried into nearby rivers or seas, impacting aquatic life.
According to Janarthanan and Mani (2020), various types of citrus fruit peels used in Therefore, addressing waste through the conversion into beneficial enzymes
eco-enzyme preparation have applications in wastewater treatment and bioremediation, offers a solution to the water pollution problem.
contributing to pollution reduction. Furthermore, the deodorizing property of eco-
In Malaysia, a significant portion of waste is managed through the landfill method. To
enzymes aids in reducing water contamination (Janarthanan & Mani, 2020). address the growing issue of food waste, the exploration of additional landfill sites
Furthermore, in the realm of food production, eco-enzymes have potential becomes necessary, impacting wildlife habitats indirectly. Furthermore, the noxious
odors emanating from these landfills pose a threat to both local wildlife and residents.
applications in enhancing the taste, consistency, appearance, nutritional value, and
longevity of processed foods (Sindhu et al. 2018). Eco-enzymes derived from fruit
waste can yield pectinase, a valuable enzyme with commercial and industrial uses. In summary, research on fruit-waste fermented enzymes aligns with several United
Typically, pectinase is employed to break down complex carbohydrates like pectin, a Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting sustainable agriculture,
component found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables. By breaking down these cell reducing waste and chemical usage, and fostering innovation and collaboration for
walls, it facilitates the digestion of food. Additionally, the pectin-breaking properties of a more sustainable and equitable future.
pectinase are beneficial in juice production, as they reduce the presence of sediment
in the final product. Consequently, eco-enzymes are frequently incorporated into
manufacturing processes, including canning, baking, and the production of alcoholic References
beverages (Nurlatifah, Agustine, and Puspasari 2022).
Malaysian Food Waste.” 2018. Pverty pollution persecution. 2018. https://pppp.my/
malaysian-food-waste.html.
Verma, Deepak, A. N. Singh, and A. K. Shukla. 2019 “Use of garbage enzyme for treatment
Sustainability Development Goals of waste water.” International Journal of Scientific Research and Review 7, no. 7
:201-205.
Research on fruit-waste fermented enzymes plays a vital role in contributing to the Rasit, Nazaitulshila, Hwe Fern, and Wan Azlina. 2019. “Production and Characterization of
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the following Eco-enzyme Produced from Tomato and Orange Wastes and Its Influence on the
areas: Aquaculture Sludge.” Ssrn.com. March 2019. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.
cfm?abstract_id=3456453.
SDGs Explanation Muliarta, I. Nengah, and I. Ketut Darmawan. 2021 “Processing Household Organic Waste
into Eco-Enzyme as an Effort to Realize Zero Waste.” Agriwar journal 1, no. 1 :6-11.
Enzymes derived from fruit waste can be used as biofertilizers in agriculture. Vama, Lapsia, and Makarand N. Cherekar. 2020. “Production, extraction and uses of Eco-
These enzymes help improve soil health and nutrient availability, enhancing crop enzyme using citrus fruit waste: wealth from waste.” Asian Journal of Microbiology,
yields and contributing to food security.
Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Paper 22 (2): 346–51.
Nazim, F. and Meera. V. ,2017. Comparison of Treatment of Greywater Using Garbage
By reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, fruit-waste and Citrus Enzymes. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science,
fermented enzymes promote the production of healthier and more natural food,
Engineering and Technology, 49-54, 6 (4).
reducing health risks associated with pesticide residues.
Teknologi, dan. 2020. “Institut Sains Dan Teknologi Terpadu Surabaya.” Istts.ac.id. 2020.
https://www.istts.ac.id/en/blog/QEa85RB1Rp-Get_to_know_Eco_Enzym,_River_
The use of eco-friendly enzymes from fruit waste reduces waste generation and Wastes_from_Home_and_Factory_Waste.
promotes recycling and responsible resource management. Novianti, Adelliya, and I Nengah Muliarta. 2021. “AGRIWAR JOURNAL Eco-Enzym Based
on Household Organic Waste as Multi- Purpose Liquid” 1 (1): 12–17. https://doi.
org/10.22225/aj.1.1.3655.12-17.

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 Curtin University Swinburne University of Technology

Joshi, Himangini, Som duttand, Piyush Choudhary, and S.L. Mundra. 2019. “Role of Effective
Microorganisms (EM) in Sustainable Agriculture.” International Journal of Current
Microbiology and Applied Sciences 8 (03): 172–81. doi:10.20546/ijcmas.2019.8
Towett, Gideon. 2016. “What Are Effective Microorganisms?” The Permaculture Research

Cultivating Awareness of
Institute. January 18. https://www.permaculturenews.org/2016/01/19/what-are-
effective-microorganisms/#:~:text=Effective%20Microorganisms%20(EM)%20
are%20mixed,yeasts%2C%20actinomycetes%20and%20fermenting%20fungi.
Pogored. 2023. “How Safe Are the Cleaning Products in Your Household?” Cleveland
Cyberbullying Through
Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. May 10. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/household- Digital Intervention
cleaning-products-can-be-dangerous-to-kids-heres-how-to-use-them-
safely/#:~:text=Bleach%2C%20ammonia%20and%20other%20hard,re%20cleaning- Lim Willone1, Lau Bee Theng1 and Fakir M Amirul Islam2
%20has%20good%20ventilation. 1
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, 2Swinburne University of Technology
Hemalatha, M., and P. Visantini. 2020. “Potential Use of Eco-Enzyme for the Treatment of
Metal Based Effluent.” IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
716 (1): 012016. doi:10.1088/1757-899x/716/1/012016.
Janarthanan, Madhumitha, Kalaiyarasi Mani, and Sakthiya Ram Raja. 2020. “Purification of
Global Connectivity and Impacts of Cyberbully
Contaminated Water Using ECO Enzyme.” IOP Conference Series: Materials Science
and Engineering 955 (1): 012098. doi:10.1088/1757-899x/955/1/012098.
The rapid advancement of information and communication technology has been
Sindhu, Raveendran, Parameswaran Binod, Sabeela Beevi Ummalyma, Amith Abraham,
propelled by the Industrial Revolution 4.0. This progress has transformed the
Anil Kuruvilla Mathew, Aravind Madhavan, Sharrel Rebello, and Ashok Pandey.
internet into a global computer network, enabling swift and effortless connectivity
2018. “Applications of Microbial Enzymes in Food Industry.” Food Technology and
Biotechnology 56 (1). https://doi.org/10.17113/ftb.56.01.18.5491. for sharing information worldwide. However, this transformative development has
Nurlatifah, Ismi, Dine Agustine, and Erni Puspasari. 2022. “Production and Characterization inadvertently given rise to concerning behaviours associated with internet usage,
of Eco-Enzyme from Fruit Peel Waste.” Proceedings of the 1st International notably cyberbullying [1]. Cyberbullying, an insidious modern-day scourge, transcends
Conference on Social, Science, and Technology, ICSST 2021, 25 November 2021, geographical borders and has emerged as a pervasive threat to individuals globally. The
Tangerang, Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.25-11-2021.2318816. ubiquity of cyberbullying is evidenced by alarming statistics, with studies conducted
by organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF reporting that
approximately one-third of young individuals globally have encountered some form
of cyberbullying [2].
The ramifications of cyberbullying extend beyond digital spaces, exerting
significant impacts on mental health and social well-being. Extensive research
corroborates the correlation between cyberbullying and adverse psychological
outcomes, including heightened levels of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and, in
severe cases, suicidal ideation among affected individuals [3]–[5]. Globally, the common
occurrence of cyber-victimization ranges from 14.0% to 58.0%, and cyber-offenders
range from 6% to 46% [6]. Spain exhibited the highest incidence of cyberbullying
victimization at 57.5%, followed by Malaysia at 52.2%, Israel at 45.0%, and China at 44.5%.
Conversely, Canada and South Korea reported the lowest victimization rates at 14.0%
and 14.6%, respectively. In the United States of America, cyberbullying victimization
rates ranged from 15.5% to 31.4%, while Israel showed a range between 30% and 45%.
In China, the rates varied between 6.0% and 46.3%, and the country recorded the

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 Swinburne University of Technology Swinburne University of Technology

highest prevalence of cyberbullying perpetration at 46.3%. Studies in Canada and Perceptions and Experiences of Cyberbully
South Korea indicated the lowest prevalence of cyberbullying perpetration, scoring
at 8.0% and 6.3%, respectively [6]. Although initially not as prevalent as some nations, Considering the pressing need for effective interventions against cyberbullying, the
the problem has surged recently. In a 2018 assessment of 28 countries, Malaysia overall research aims to investigate, design, develop, and evaluate the effectiveness
emerged as the sixth-worst globally for cyberbullying [7]. Subsequently, a global of a digital serious game intervention that improves awareness, coping strategies, and
statistic two years later revealed Malaysia’s staggering cyberbullying rate at 71% [8]. the management of anxiety and depression for cyberbullying among youth. There are
Presently, Malaysia stands as the highest in Asia for reported cases of cyberbullying [6]. three planned phases: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention.
Cyberbullying has reached an alarming rate in Malaysia and has made its mark within The article discusses the pre-intervention study conducted to explore
the digital space of Sarawak [9]. perceptions and experiences related to cyberbullying among youth within the
Despite multiple efforts aimed at controlling the cyberbullying incident, Malaysian context. To date, the pre-intervention assessment has been completed with
there are no signs of the problem being brought under control. Cyber Security Malaysia the youth in Malaysia who had encountered cyberbullying incidents and those who
reported 266 cases of cyberbullying in 2018, a figure similar to the 260 cases recorded had not. The following tables present the detailed statistics derived from the study on
in 2019. However, the situation took a concerning turn in 2020, with reported incidents perceptions and experiences of cyberbullying.
escalating dramatically to 596. However, there was a slight decrease in 2021, totalling
417 incidents [10]. This issue is exacerbated by the inadequate intervention measures
aimed at curbing cyberbullying in Malaysia. Existing studies primarily concentrate Table 1: Factors associated with cyberbullying (with the scale where ‘NEVER’ corresponds to 1, ‘ALWAYS’ to 5)
on interventions tailored for young children, leading to a limited comprehensive Cyberbullying Cognitive Problem- Social Cognitive Depression Anxiety Stress
appraisal solving distancing distancing
understanding and definitive conclusions on effectively mitigating cyberbullying
among other age groups, resulting in a significant knowledge gap in this domain [11], [12]. Gender Male -1.002 .21 -.16 -.21 .15 -.38 -.50 -.33
Female -.815 .22 .15 .07 -.22 -.41 -.44 -.29
Prefer not -.009 -.24 .49 -.58 .30 -.39 -.09 -.05
to say
Digital Intervention in Combating Cyberbully
Education Primary School . . . . . . . .
level
With the advancement of technology, researchers should steer towards digital Secondary -.697 .13 -.20 .22 -.25 -.51 -1.02 -.86
School
intervention to tackle this issue. The practicability of serious digital games has
Diploma -.609 .30 .17 .37 .20 .46 .28 .17
been brought forward and shows a promising outcome in European countries
Undergraduate -.872 .20 -.01 -.16 -.04 -.43 -.40 -.24
[13]
. The efficacy of serious digital games in their dynamic approach to tackling degree
cyberbullying. These games engage users actively, providing a safe environment to Postgraduate -.975 .20 .44 .27 -.26 -.41 -.58 -.42
understand, respond to, and prevent cyberbullying. Players develop critical thinking, degree
empathy, and behavioural strategies through interactive scenarios to address Employment Employed full -1.082 .27 -.09 -.31 .06 -.08 -.57 -.14
cyberbullying effectively. The games facilitate experiential learning, fostering a status time
deeper understanding of the issue while promoting positive online behaviours. Employed -1.468 .67 -.76 .52 .14 -.72 -.49 -.21
part-time
Additionally, they reach a wide audience, promote collaborative learning,
Seeking -2.059 .49 .32 -.15 -.40 -.81 -1.03 -.84
and enable data collection for evaluating interventions. Overall, serious digital
opportunities
games serve as valuable tools in educating and empowering individuals to combat
Student -.729 .14 .13 -.04 -.10 -.40 -.40 -.30
cyberbullying and foster a safer online community. Hence, the pervasiveness of
Others . . . . . . . .
cyberbullying underscores the importance of implementing efficient digital serious
game interventions aimed at assisting young individuals to develop effective coping
mechanisms in response to cyberbullying [14].

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 Swinburne University of Technology Swinburne University of Technology

Table 1: Continued (with the scale where ‘NEVER’ corresponds to 1, ‘ALWAYS’ to 5) Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between education level
Cognitive Problem- Social Cognitive and problem-solving skills. Specifically, higher education levels were associated with
Cyberbullying appraisal solving distancing distancing Depression Anxiety Stress higher mean scores in problem-solving, with postgraduate students scoring 0.44.
Household Under RM 2 -1.358 .49 .23 -.02 -.21 -.59 -.77 -.50 However, the relationship between education and depression and anxiety is less clear,
monthly 000
with no consistent trend observed. Those who reported spending more time with
income
RM 2 000 - RM -.783 .18 -.11 -.30 -.14 -.31 -.35 -.05 their families tend to have lower mean scores for depression and anxiety. This finding
4 000
suggests that family support and closeness may have a protective effect against these
RM 4 000 - RM -.671 .28 .04 .22 -.13 -.41 .03 -.03
6 000 mental health issues associated with cyberbullying.
Above RM 6 -.355 -.06 .10 .50 .11 -.45 -.27 -.13
000
Table 2: Awareness and experience of cyberbullying (in percentage)
Prefer not -.864 .06 .14 -.02 .07 -.37 -.71 -.70
I have I have seen I have
to say
I know about experienced someone getting cyberbullied
Time spent Less than 2 -.946 .27 .09 .16 -.18 -.42 -.61 -.56 cyberbullying cyberbullying cyberbullied someone
with families hours
Gender Male 91.5 46.5 72.1 32.6
2 - 4 hours -.826 .23 -.12 -.28 -.07 -.42 -.56 -.37
Female 94.1 56.3 64.6 22.9
4 - 6 hours -.672 .19 -.08 .04 -.03 -.64 -.42 -.11
Prefer not to say 100 50 0 0
More than 6 -1.002 .14 .33 .02 -.05 -.19 -.25 -.19
Education Primary 0 0 0 0
hours
Level
Secondary 100 12.5 100 25
Social media Instagram -1.061 .32 .02 -.13 -.20 -.40 -.40 -.30
accounts Diploma 100 42.9 71.4 42.9
Facebook -.521 .04 .06 -.07 .06 -.35 -.34 -.06
own Undergraduate 94.4 58.2 59.7 28.4
TikTok -.541 -.02 -.02 -.05 .06 -.17 -.56 -.51
Postgraduate 78.6 45.5 81.8 9.1
Twitter -.971 .20 .20 .38 .07 -.96 -.93 -.60
Employment Employed full time 90.9 20 90 10
Others -1.542 .68 1.16 .95 .36 .49 -.09 .20
status
Employed part-time 100 60 80 40
Time spent Less than 4 -.801 .08 -.07 -.28 -.03 -.48 -.55 -.35
on social hours Seeking 33.3 0 0 0
media opportunities
4 - 6 hours -.757 .34 .05 .27 -.07 -.25 -.34 -.21
Student 95 55.3 63.2 28.9
6 - 8 hours -1.473 .15 .20 -.29 -.39 -.63 -.76 -.53
Others 100 100 100 0
More than 8 -.537 .11 .15 -.13 .18 -.39 -.21 -.18
hours Household Under RM 2 000 89.5 47.1 76.5 17.6
monthly
RM 2 000 - RM 4 90 59.3 48.1 40.7
income
000
Table 1 presents an overview of participants’ awareness, experience, and
RM 4 000 - RM 6 100 50 64.3 28.6
behavior related to cyberbullying. This table highlights the statistical significance of
000
various factors associated with cyberbullying. Particularly, the data demonstrates
Above RM 6 000 100 55.6 77.8 22.2
that a notable segment of participants possesses prior awareness of cyberbullying,
Prefer not to say 92.9 46.2 76.9 19.2
suggesting a level of digital proficiency and comprehension within the surveyed
Time spent Less than 2 hours 96.2 44 76 32
cohort. Interestingly, a pattern emerges regarding gender aspects. The results reveal with family
2 - 4 hours 96.3 38.5 69.2 19.2
that males exhibited a mean score of 1.002, indicating a slightly lower reported members
experience than females (0.815). This suggests that, on average, females reported 4 - 6 hours 95.5 57.1 38.1 23.8

higher experiences of cyberbullying than their male counterparts. More than 6 hours 84 71.4 81 33.3

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 Swinburne University of Technology Swinburne University of Technology

Table 2: Continued (in percentage) Subsequently, the post-intervention assessments will be administered to
I have I have seen I have the intervention group after the intervention period, while the non-intervention
I know about experienced someone getting cyberbullied group will be retained as a comparative reference. The subsequent future works
cyberbullying cyberbullying cyberbullied someone
include analyzing data from both intervention and control groups and evaluating
Social media Instagram 98 48 72 32
the effectiveness and impact of the serious game intervention on the enhancement
use
Facebook 84 57.1 57.1 23.8 of coping strategies in cyberbullying.
TikTok 91.7 63.6 54.5 18.2
Twitter 88.9 62.5 75 25
Others 100 0 66.7 0
Social media Less than 4 hours 91.7 39.4 66.7 21.2
use daily
4 - 6 hours 94.1 56.3 75 31.3
6 - 8 hours 100 62.5 62.5 25
More than 8 hours 85.7 58.3 50 33.3

Table 2 provides insights into the relationship among various psychological

factors, cyberbullying, and demographic variables within the study’s participant
cohort. The analysis reveals that 47% of male participants and 56% of female Picture 1: Samples of scenarios and feedback in CyberStory
participants experienced some level of cyberbullying. Interestingly, 94% of females
showed awareness of cyberbullying, slightly higher than males at 92%. However, a
higher percentage of males, 33%, compared to 23% of females, indicated engaging in References
bullying behaviour. Moreover, the subgroup of undergraduates reported the highest
[1] S. A. M. Fadhli, J. L. S. Yan, A. S. A. Halim, A. A. Razak, and A. A. Rahman, “Finding
incidence of cyberbullying experiences, with 58% of this demographic reporting
the Link between Cyberbullying and Suicidal Behaviour among Adolescents
such encounters.
in Peninsular Malaysia,” Healthc., vol. 10, no. 5, pp. 1–18, 2022, doi: 10.3390/
healthcare10050856.
[2] “UNICEF poll: More than a third of young people in 30 countries report being a
Conclusions and Future Work
victim of online bullying.” https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-poll-more-
third-young-people-30-countries-report-being-victim-online-bullying (accessed
Global connectivity has accelerated cyberbullying, a pervasive threat impacting mental
Dec. 04, 2023).
health worldwide. The surge in cases, notably in Malaysia, emphasizes the urgent
[3] M. H. L. Lee, M. Kaur, V. Shaker, A. Yee, R. Sham, and C. S. Siau, “Cyberbullying,
need for effective interventions. This calls for collaborative efforts from researchers, Social Media Addiction and Associations with Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
policymakers, educators, and society to create a safer digital environment. among Medical Students in Malaysia,” Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, vol. 20, no.
This article presents the findings on factors, awareness and experience 4, 2023, doi: 10.3390/ijerph20043136.
of cyberbullying, including family dynamics and psychological factors. Targeted [4] K. Hellfeldt, L. López-Romero, and H. Andershed, “Cyberbullying and psychological
interventions, education, and support systems are crucial in equipping young well-being in young adolescence: the potential protective mediation effects of
individuals with coping mechanisms against cyberbullying. social support from family, friends, and teachers,” Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health,
Thus, future work will include the intervention phase conducted with vol. 17, no. 1, 2020, doi: 10.3390/ijerph17010045.
the serious game (Picture 1), an interactive intervention tool to increase coping [5] Q. Bai, S. Huang, F. H. Hsueh, and T. Zhang, “Cyberbullying victimization and suicide
strategies within the intervention group. We will explore how the proposed serious ideation: A crumbled belief in a just world,” Comput. Human Behav., vol. 120, no.
digital game, CyberStory can help foster a safer online community. January, p. 106679, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.106679.

52 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 Synthesis Sarawak | Issue No. 1 53

 Swinburne University of Technology University Technology Sarawak (UTS)

[6] C. Zhu, S. Huang, R. Evans, and W. Zhang, “Cyberbullying Among Adolescents

and Children: A Comprehensive Review of the Global Situation, Risk Factors, and
Preventive Measures,” Frontiers in Public Health, vol. 9, no. March. pp. 1–12, 2021.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.634909.

Sarawak Sustainability
[7] A. B. Dhiraj, “Countries Where Cyber-bullying Was Reported The Most In 2018,”
CEOWORLD magazine, Oct. 29, 2018. https://ceoworld.biz/2018/10/29/countries-

[8]
where-cyber-bullying-was-reported-the-most-in-2018/ (accessed Aug. 15, 2021).
A. Zuckerman, “60 Cyberbullying Statistics: 2020/2021 Data, Insights & Predictions
Resources for Engineered
| CompareCamp.com,” Compare Camp, May 12, 2020. https://comparecamp.com/ Timber Products
cyberbullying-statistics/ (accessed Aug. 17, 2021).
[9] Yatiman Karsodikromo, Mohd Razimi Husin, Abdul Rahim Razali, and Hazalizah Ts Mohamad Saiful Sulaiman
Hamzah, “Buli siber dalam kalangan murid sekolah menengah di daerah Samarahan Lecturer | Head of CeWEP, University of Technology Sarawak
, Sarawak,” J. Pendidik. Bitara UPSI, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 38–47, 2020.
[10] “MyCERT : Incident Statistics - Reported Incidents based on General Incident
Classification Statistics 2021,” Malaysia Computer Emergency Response Team, 2021.
Sarawak, Malaysia, boasts abundant timber resources, predominantly hardwoods like
https://www.mycert.org.my/portal/statistics-content?menu=b75e037d-6ee3-4d11-
Belian, Keranji, Merbau, Resak, Meranti, Kapur, and Keruing, as well as fast-growing
8169-66677d694932&id=d6545975-14ed-4e97-bed2-3ae6bd218652 (accessed Aug.
planted species including Acacia, Eucalyptus, Batai and others. These resources
17, 2021).
have been the cornerstone of the state’s economy. Recent years have seen a shift
[11] V. Balakrishnan and A. A. Norman, “Psychological motives of cyberbullying among
towards sustainable timber management practices, with the Sarawak Timber Industry
Malaysian young adults,” Asia Pacific J. Soc. Work Dev., vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 181–194,
Development Corporation (STIDC) and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) leading
2020, doi: 10.1080/02185385.2020.1772101.
the way. Certification efforts, such as recognition from the Forest Stewardship Council
[12] I. K. Kamaruddin, A. M. Ma’rof, A. I. N. Mohd Nazan, and H. Ab Jalil, “A systematic
(FSC), underscore the commitment to sustainable logging. However, challenges mar
review and meta-analysis of interventions to decrease cyberbullying perpetration
and victimization: An in-depth analysis within the Asia Pacific region,” Front. this progress. Illegal logging continues to threaten Sarawak’s forests, resulting in
Psychiatry, vol. 14, no. January, pp. 1–13, 2023, doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1014258. deforestation, biodiversity loss, and environmental harm. Additionally, land allocation
[13] W. Lim, B. Theng, L. Fakir, and M. A. Islam, “Cyberbullying Awareness Intervention conflicts between agriculture, infrastructure development, and conservation efforts
in Digital and Non-digital Environment for Youth : Current Knowledge,” Educ. Inf. lead to the fragmentation of natural habitats. Sustainability efforts include reforestation
Technol., 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11472-z. programs to restore damaged or deforested areas while enhancing timber resources.
[14] A. Calvo-Morata, C. Alonso-Fernández, M. Freire, I. Martínez-Ortiz, and B. Fernández- Biodiversity conservation remains a focus, preserving the diverse flora and fauna
Manjón, “Creating awareness on bullying and cyberbullying among young people: species within the state. Furthermore, community involvement is vital for sustainable
Validating the effectiveness and design of the serious game Conectado,” Telemat. resource management, ensuring both conservation and livelihood support. In sum,
Informatics, vol. 60, no. June 2020, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.tele.2021.101568. Sarawak grapples with the complex and ongoing challenge of balancing economic
interests with environmental preservation in its timber industry. Despite the strides
made toward sustainability, illegal logging and land conflicts persist. Sustainable
management and community engagement are crucial to maintaining the ecological
and economic well-being of Sarawak’s natural resources.
Initial steps have been taken to foster awareness about wood-engineered
products. Starting at the academic level, the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS)
looking forward to establishing a research center namely the Centre of Excellence
in Wood Engineered Products (CeWEP). CeWEP was established to boost the
involvement of the local timber industry, specifically in Sarawak, Malaysia. The

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 University Technology Sarawak (UTS) University Technology Sarawak (UTS)

objective is to shift the focus from producing raw materials (upstream products) One of its key benefits is its superior strength and stability, making it
to finished products, thereby enhancing the profitability of the industry. Sarawak is less susceptible to warping, cracking, and shrinking compared to solid wood. This
renowned for its abundant natural resources, particularly timber, yet the emphasis durability stems from the process of bonding wood strands, veneers, or fibers using
has traditionally been on upstream products such as sawn timber, plywood, veneer, adhesives, ensuring consistent strength and dimensional stability. Engineered wood’s
and particleboards. The potential for downstream products like furniture, engineered reduced propensity to twist or warp enhances its long-term performance.
products, and wood charcoal which offers higher profits, remains largely untapped. In Furthermore, engineered wood products are highly adaptable and available
line with the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative, the timber- in a wide range of dimensions, forms, and arrangements to meet specific design
based industry has been designated as a priority sector, alongside oil and gas, marine and construction requirements. This flexibility allows for the creation of innovative
engineering, tourism, and aquaculture. The strategy involves transitioning from basic architectural designs and complex structures, with products like glue-laminated
timber production to the manufacturing of high-value components and finished timber providing architectural versatility.
goods for export. CeWEP’s role is not only centered on processing wood into high- Environmental considerations make engineered wood an appealing choice
quality engineered wood products with modern designs but also places importance as well. It minimizes the impact on natural resources by utilizing smaller, fast-growing
on lesser-known and local wood species, addressing biodiversity concerns. This trees and incorporating wood industry by-products. The manufacturing process can
initiative aims to drive the development of Sarawak’s timber product industry towards also utilize adhesives with low volatile organic compound emissions, improving indoor
value-added, sustainable, and environmentally responsible practices. air quality. Moreover, engineered wood reduces waste by being manufactured in large
In order of downstream products, engineered wood is a versatile and panels or beams.
environmentally friendly building material that offers numerous advantages over
traditional solid wood and other construction materials. It is manufactured from
various wood types, including recycled wood, hardwoods, planted wood, and bamboo.
The process is in line with the recommendations of the 15th SDG which is to promote
sustainable management of forest products. Engineered wood finds applications in
furniture, cabinetry, and as a construction material for walls, roofs, and floors.

The cross-laminated parquet (Eco-CLP) has been produced in the UTS laboratory. The products
fabricated from a combination of Nypa frond fiber and Bio epoxy are strongly affected by their
strength and application especially.

Cost-effectiveness is another advantage of engineered wood, as it can be made from

smaller, more affordable trees. Its greater dimensional stability reduces maintenance
expenses over time, and large panels eliminate the need for intricate joinery or
assembly. Certain engineered wood products, such as fire-rated plywood and fire-
resistant particleboard, provide enhanced fire resistance, meeting specific safety
regulations. However, the benefits of engineered wood can vary depending on the
Cassava waste fiber products fabricated in UTS Laboratory. It has a high potential for house interior product and its intended application, so consulting industry professionals and adhering
design and applications.
to relevant standards and guidelines is essential when using it in construction projects.
In summary, engineered wood is a sustainable, durable, and versatile building material

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 University Technology Sarawak (UTS) University Technology Sarawak (UTS)

that offers numerous advantages for modern construction and design. Once again, it especially in house designs. Roof framing requires precise design and compliance
was aligned with the 9th SDG which is to promote inclusive and sustainable industry, with construction regulations, ensuring safety. When selecting insulation, climate,
innovation, and infrastructure products. local codes, and construction type should be considered, with proper installation
being vital. Interior finishes should reflect style, durability, and maintenance needs.
Nonetheless, engineered wood houses offer lower costs, enhanced durability,
Milestones of Wood-Engineered Products Growth in Malaysia energy efficiency, sustainability, and safety. They provide an ideal option for eco-
friendly and enduring homes.
The development of engineered wood products in Malaysia traces back to the mid-
20th century when the nation sought alternatives to solid wood for construction and
furniture. While specific timelines and milestones may vary, a general history of these
products in Malaysia is as follows. In the 1950s, Malaysia embraced plywood as one
of the earliest forms of engineered wood. Plywood, created by bonding thin veneer
layers of wood with adhesive, gained popularity, primarily driven by the construction
sector’s need for building materials. It became a significant import to cater to the
surging demand for construction supplies. During the 1960s and 1970s, particleboard
emerged as another engineered wood product. It is produced by compressing wood
particles or chips with resin under heat and pressure. This innovation provided an
alternative to solid wood in furniture manufacturing and interior applications.
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) gained prominence in the 1990s. LVL involves
bonding veneer sheets with adhesives to create robust and dimensionally stable
structural members. LVL found applications in load-bearing elements in construction,
such as beams and columns. In the early 2000s, glue-laminated timber, or glulam,
gained popularity in Malaysia. Glulam involves bonding layers of solid wood to create
larger, stronger, and visually appealing structural elements. It found architectural and
structural uses in curved beams and arches. The cross-laminated parquet (Eco-CLP) has been produced in the UTS laboratory. The products
Cross-laminated timber (CLT), a relatively new engineered wood product, fabricated from a combination of Nypa frond fiber and Bio epoxy are strongly affected by their
strength and application especially.
has gained global interest. CLT panels are formed by stacking and gluing multiple
layers of wood at right angles, known for their strength and sustainability. The specific
adoption of CLT in Malaysia may differ. The adoption of engineered wood products in
Malaysia has been driven by factors such as raw material availability, advancements
in manufacturing technologies, and the desire for sustainable and cost-effective
construction solutions. Malaysian manufacturers have invested in production facilities
and research to improve the quality and variety of engineered wood products available
locally. It is one way to achieve the Sarawak Government goal which is to provide over
one million new jobs by 2030, thereby improving the standard of living for the people
of Sarawak.
Engineered wood products offer significant advantages, including
strength, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and consistent quality. These qualities
make them a valuable choice for modern construction. Engineered wood is poised
to grow in popularity due to its strength, flexibility, durability, and sustainability,

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 i-CATS University College

Retrospective on Sago Palm

Misimpression with Advanced
Biotechnological Approach
Dr. Muhammad Norhelmi Ahmad
i-CATS University College

Long before rice was consumed as the staple food by the indigenous ethnicities in
Sarawak, Sago was the main source of food providing starch as a basic ingredient to
make a wide variety of delicacies together with creamy sago worm as a nutritious
source of protein. Despite only being for food, Sago palm also plays a significant role
in the customary of the native tribe such as the Melanau ethnic.

The Major Challenge and Misimpression in Sago Plantation

Due to the extensively long maturation period, sago palm tends to be misimpressed.
Sago palm commonly requires 8-12 years to be ideally harvestable for starch
extraction. Somehow, many are not aware of the potential of sago plantations without
understanding the lifecycle of that ancient crop. Sago palm is a perennial plant which
grows in clusters producing suckers as one of the reproductive mechanisms. Hence,
once the mother palm is harvested the next generation or successional palm from
the same cluster can be harvested in a shorter time. This cycle can last for centuries
without replanting and minimal maintenance of the Sago farm. Furthermore, within
the maturation period, conventionally there is no profitable commodity that can
be obtained from sago plantations. In addition, inefficient and unsystematic farm
management of traditional plantation practices reduces the productivity of the sago
palm. Due to this condition, sago farmers desperately substitute sago palm for cash
crops. Since 2010, Sarawak has lost 47% of its sago plantation area reducing 30% of
the production capacity. If this trend continues, Sarawak will lose its credential as the
biggest sago starch exporter in the world.

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Key to Sustainable Food Security

Extreme climate changes have triggered the world to experience severe defects
in agricultural productivity leading to a major shortage of global food supply and
instability of food prices. Hence, the cultivation of food crops that are able to adapt
to the effects of climate change is the key to maintaining the sustainability of food
security and preventing the rise of world hunger. Sago palm possessed the ideal
characteristic to become a crucial contributor to achieving Sustainable Development
Goal 2: Zero Hunger as proposed by the United Nations.

Picture 1: Sago hampas accumulated outside of the mill before being discarded into the river.

hampas that cannot be recovered by using the mechanical respiring method. However,
using the enzymatic hydrolysis approach manages to break the starch into glucose
and simply can be retrieved from the hampas through multiple solid-liquid separation
methods. Glucose is a crucial component in the fermentation process that acts as
the energy source to fuel the growth of the selected microorganism. The formulated
glucose solution can be utilized as a fermentable substrate to produce a wide variety
of high-value chemical substitutes or for the cultivation of good microorganisms.

Application of Industrial Biotechnology in Developing Novel Sago-

Based Product

The implementation of technology in agriculture has driven the industry into

modernisation in improving efficiency and productivity and, most importantly,
diversifying the product and application to fulfil the requirements of multiple
industries. Sago palm used to be known only as a source of food but with technology,
sago became a versatile feedstock to produce a wide variety of non-food products.
The exploration of developing value-added products from Sago palm will not affect
the production of starch for food due to the focus on utilizing its biomass.

1.0 Fermentable Carbon Feedstock

The industrial scale of Sago starch extraction produces a massive amount of residual
fibre known as Sago hampas. For every ton of starch produced, about 580 Kg of Sago
hampas were discarded from the mill and flushed into the nearest river. The Sago
Picture 2: Bioethanol produced from Sago hampas substrate.
hampas still contain about 60% residual starch embedded in the hollow fibre of the

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2.0 Sustainable Organic Fertilizer 3.0 Prebiotic and Organic Acid

The solid residue after enzymatic hydrolysis of Sago hampas still possessed a traceable Researchers discover an elegant solution to the devastation of the extensively
amount of glucose that can be beneficial for microbial growth in multiple applications long time for the Sago palm to be harvestable with the utilasation of Sago frond.
such as the production of compost. The presence of glucose as simple sugar can Conventionally, the Sago fronds are just being discarded on the farm after the trunks
accelerate microbial growth during the composting process. The conventional were harvested and some were used to make roofs and handcraft products. Dried
co-composting method will involve animal excreta as the source of nitrogen and Sago frond can ignite wildfire during drought season and not favourable as a natural
degrading microflora, agricultural waste as a source of organic matter and molasses fertilizer due to low nitrogen content and takes time to degrade. In the meantime,
as the source of carbon as feedstock for the microorganism. pruning the Sago frond from the growing palm is commonly practised by the farmer
By using the Sago solid residue, the co-composting method can be executed to reduce competition among the palms in the same cluster to promote the growth of
more efficiently than the conventional method due to the presence of free sugar void the mother trunk. Hence, the Sago frond massively accumulated and became a waste
the supplementation of molasses as a source of carbon. The porous structure allows of biomass that can be used as raw material to produce high-value products.
the Sago fibre to absorb and possesses strong water holding capacity so it can be
an eligible sole growing medium to plant semi-aquatic crops such as ‘Kangkung’
(Ipomoea aquatica). It also can be used to plant paddy, especially in urban areas
where land is limited and highly acidic.

Picture 4: Dried Sago frond discarded on farm can Picture 5: SaFrond Prebiotic Drink
trigger wildfire. derived from Sago Frond.

To utilize Sago frond, it requires the application of advanced bioprocess

technology since it possesses complex lignocellulosic components that make it
difficult to be degraded. Again, the enzymatic hydrolysis process was used to
convert the complex structure to a substitute chemical. Cellobiose is the product
of metabolizing sago frond fibre with specific enzymes. Unlike glucose, cellobiose
is extremely indigestible by humans without aid from digestive microflora. Hence,
cellobiose act as a prebiotic component that promotes the growth of good bacteria
in human to improve the efficiency of the digestive system and protect the body from
Picture 3: 3 weeks old Kangkung grown solely in Sago Hampas Compost.
pathogenic microorganism.

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significant impact on the accessibility to the local meat and affordability index of meat
products in the market. Until animal feed was identified as the key factor in achieving
a sustainable livestock production industry. Feed cost covers 70% of the total cost for
Picture 6: SaFrond L-lactic acid based hand the production of livestock. Unfortunately, Malaysia also highly depends on imported
sanitizer is alcohol free provides selective raw material to produce animal feed such as maize and wheat. Global crises such as
antibacterial properties that only affect climate change and war cause unstable supply and price of animal feed leading to
mostly pathogenic bacteria and allow good
bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria to the fluctuating price of meat products in Malaysia. The utilisation of local crops as
remain viable to keep skin tissue safe and raw material to produce animal feed is a feasible solution to reduce dependency on
healthy. imported food and feed.
The residual fibre obtained after the extraction of Sago frond sap was used
The L-lactic acid also serves as exfoliant
to remove dead cells that commonly as the sole raw material to produce animal feed for ruminants in the form of silage. The
accumulate in the skin pore which cannot probiotic recovered from the fermentation of L-lactic acid bacteria was repurposed as
be removed by ordinary skincare product. an effective microorganism to improve the quality and shelf life of the silage. The
The treatment with L-lactic acid will allow
the skin to rejuvenate provide an antiaging feeding of Sago frond silage shows the feasibility to be serving as a long-term feeding
effect. regiment in promoting the growth performance of ruminants without compromising
animal welfare.

Underneath the strong and flexi external structure of the Sago frond, there
is a spongy texture of the pith inside of the rachis (middle part of the frond), hiding
sweet and tasty sap that can simply be extracted using a roller presser machine. The
Sago frond sap contains free sugar made up of mainly glucose and xylose as well
as residual starch. The coexistence of crucial minerals such as nitrogen, magnesium,
manganese, copper and zinc are complementary to the application of the Sago frond
sap as fermentation media to produce high-value chemical substitutes such as L-lactic
acid which only can be produced naturally via fermentation of lactic acid bacteria.
L-lactic acid is an organic short-chain fatty acid which is considered a high-
value ingredient in producing cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. The L-lactic acid
acts as an exfoliant and moisturizer in cosmetic products to remove dead cells and
maintain the moisture of the skin. In medicine, L-lactic acid is used as a pH regulator
and antibacterial agent.
The Sago frond sap is a two-for-one fermentation media which is not only
reliable for producing high-value chemical substances but also can cultivate probiotic Picture 7: A goat enjoying Sago frond silage.
bacteria that can be repurposed into functional food and feed.
In conclusion, the Sago palm is a blessing ancient crop that must be preserved and
acknowledged as a key to achieving sustainable food security.
3.0 Animal Feed
Malaysia is a country that is deeply dependent on imported food, especially on meat
and dairy products. Over the years, multiple policies and enterprises were established
to stimulate the Self Sufficient Level (SSL) of meat by shrinking the deficit between
domestic meat production and consumption. However, none of them exhibits a

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 i-CATS University College Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR)

The article tackles Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12:
Responsible Consumption and Production.

SDGs Explanation

In this article we highlight the potential of the Sago palm to be a sustainable source
of food, while also highlighting the importance of cultivating food crops that can
ACT-SING-BLEND: ELEVATING
adapt to climate change. In the local context, this article shows that Sago palm
helps Sarawak in achieving Zero Hunger and helps ensure global food security.
READING PROFICIENCY AMONG
This article explores how industrial biotechnology can be applied to develop MALAYSIAN YOUNG ESL LEARNERS
novel Sago-based products, thus demonstrating how technology can efficiently
utilize various parts of the Sago palm to produce fermentable carbon feedstock,
Pui Kuet Poh
sustainable organic fertilizer, and prebiotic and organic acid.
Moreover, the article highlights how innovative biotechnological Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak
approaches can transform the Sago palm from a traditional food source into a
versatile feedstock with multiple applications. This, in turn, promotes sustainability
and addresses challenges related to food security and agricultural practices.
Introduction
The Malaysian primary English language curriculum emphasises on the development
of learners’ reading skills for comprehension and enjoyment (Ministry of Education,
2022). To support this objective, the English language curriculum is designed to
establish a strong foundation in learners’ basic literacy skills. For example, fun
activities were integrated into phonemic awareness lessons to provide young learners
with letter-sound correspondence exercises in a non-restrictive environment.
As a Malaysian primary English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, the
researcher aimed to uphold the country’s aspirations and progressively develop his
young learners’ reading skills. Consequently, at the beginning of the school year,
a reading diagnostic test was conducted with the learners to assess their existing
reading proficiency, in terms of letter-sound correspondences. However, the
researcher encountered a problem in which the majority of his learners were still
unable to differentiate individual phonemes, blend and segment them, making it
difficult for the learners to read the words given to them. Besides, the researcher
also found that the test items in the diagnostic test did not assess learners’ reading
proficiency but primarily evaluated learners’ mastery of vocabulary.
Thus, to address the issues mentioned, the Act-Sing-Blend (ASB)
approach was introduced as an intervention to improve young learners’ mastery
of letter-sound correspondences, while the Reading Proficiency Test (RPT) was
used to determine whether the learners have acquired these skills. In this study, two
research objectives were formulated:

1. To assess the effectiveness of the ASB approach in improving the mastery of

letter-sound correspondences among young Malaysian ESL learners.

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 Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR) Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR)

2. To investigate the effectiveness of the RPT in assessing the reading proficiency

of young Malaysian ESL learners.

Based on the research objectives, the following research questions (RQ) were
formulated:
1. What is the level of mastery of letter-sound correspondences among young
Malaysian ESL learners before and after implementing the ASB approach?
2. Is there any significant difference between the level of mastery of letter-
sound correspondences among young Malaysian ESL learners before and after
implementing the ASB approach?
3. How does the RPT assess the reading proficiency of young Malaysian ESL
learners?

The interventions introduced were adapted from the Total physical

response (TPR) method and Krashen’s (1982) Affective filter hypothesis. According
to Rokhayati (2017), the TPR method employed actions and bodily movements
to illustrate the words presented to learners, which could help enhance learners’
memory about the words presented (Rokhayati. 2017). Another relevant theory was Figure 1: Reading proficiency test.
the Affective Filter Hypothesis. According to Krashen, affective filter is an imaginary
mental block that could influence the development of second language in learners, Furthermore, the Act-Sing-Blend approach was carried out during a total of 12
particularly learners could acquire the language input presented to them more English language lessons in four consecutive weeks. Each lesson was structured
effectively when their affective filter is lowered. into three main segments, namely Act (A), Sing (S) and Blend (B). Field notes were
used to record the researcher’s reflections and insights throughout the process of
implementation.
The Study In the Act stage, the researcher introduced various phonemes using
actions adapted from Jolly Phonics, a method in teaching young learners using
This study employed a mixed-method approach to collect data from both qualitative alphabetical codes (Lloyd, 2007). For example, when teaching the /s/ phoneme,
and quantitative paradigms (Creswell, 2014). The researcher invited 22 Year 1 English the researcher mimicked the action of a snake slithering and produced the hissing
language learners (i.e., aged 7) who were studying in a national-type (SJKC) school sound (Figure 2).
in Limbang, Sarawak. The learners were purposively chosen as they represented a
subset of Malaysian young ESL learners and they also exhibited a very low level of
reading proficiency.
Besides, the study was conducted for a period of six weeks. Prior to
conducting the study, informed consents from learners’ guardians were obtained.
A reading proficiency test (RPT) was used as both the pretest and posttest of this
study to assess the learners’ mastery of letter-sound correspondences (Figure 1). The
RPT was divided into three sections, each assessing a different aspect of the learners’
reading proficiency. Section A evaluated the learners’ ability to discriminate between
phonemes. Section B examined the learners’ ability to blend individual phonemes into
monosyllabic words, while Section C assessed a combination of skills. Figure 2: Action for phoneme /s/.

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 Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR) Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR)

Subsequently, the researcher provided practice in the Sing stage. The The same RPT was administered to the learners as the posttest after 12
researcher chose a familiar children’s song, entitled ‘There’s a farmer had a dog’, for English lessons (Figure 5). The learners used about 35 minutes to complete the test.
learners to practise the targeted phoneme. With the teachers’ guidance, the learners The test papers were collected, and the scores were calculated and tabulated.
sang the song while performing the actions (Figure 3).

Figure 5: Learners were completing the RPT (posttest).

Findings and Discussions

Figure 3: Learners practised the phonemes with songs.
In this section, the findings are presented in response to the research questions outlined.
In the Blend stage, a learner was called to the researcher’s desk at a time,
while the other learners engaged in their reinforcement exercises. The selected RQ1: What is the level of mastery of letter-sound correspondences among young
learner received several phonemes and was instructed to perform the corresponding Malaysian ESL learners before and after implementing the ASB approach?
actions and sounds. Subsequently, the learner was asked to place the phonemes on
the arm and blend them into a word (Figure 4). Table 1 displays the learners’ RPT scores prior and after the intervention. It was found
that 21 out of 22 learners scored less than 50% before the intervention was introduced.
L19 achieved the highest score of 19 (M=0.56), while L3 scored the lowest score of
3 (M=0.09). After the intervention, it was observed that L1 scored full marks (M=1),
whereas L4 obtained the lowest score of 17 (M=0.5). Moreover, all learners in this study
showed improvement in their RPT scores from the pretest to the posttest.

Table 1: Learners’ test scores before and after the intervention.

Learner Before (out of 34 marks) After (out of 34 marks)
L1 15 34
L2 9 28
L3 7 22
L4 3 17
Figure 4: Learner demonstrated blending the phonemes into words. L5 10 24
L6 8 33

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 Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR) Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR)

Table 1: Learners’ test scores before and after the intervention (continued) A dependent sample t-test was conducted on the learners’ RPT scores
Learner Before (out of 34 marks) After (out of 34 marks) before and after the intervention to identify if there was any significant difference
L7 8 29 between both sets of data. The SPSS output generated t(21)=-22.913, p<.001.
L8 6 31 Therefore, the null hypothesis (i.e., there is no significant difference between the
L9 9 32 means for pretest and posttest) was rejected since the p-value is less than .05. In
L10 6 26 other words, the mean of learners’ RPT scores after the intervention was significantly
higher than their RPT scores before the intervention.
L11 5 25
L12 10 32
RQ3: How does the RPT assess the reading proficiency of young Malaysian learners?
L13 9 32
L14 6 32
In the field notes, the researcher indicated that the RPT assessed various aspects of
L15 3 31
the learners’ reading proficiency. For example, the researcher observed that learners
L16 11 33
needed to demonstrate discrimination skills to differentiate the “phonics action for
L17 9 30
/o/ sound and /a/ sound”. Besides, learners were required to show blending and
L18 15 29 segmenting skills when they tried to combine or separate the words into individual
L19 19 33 phonemes. Furthermore, comprehension skills were also observed when learners
L20 7 32 matched words to the corresponding pictures. Besides, the RPT also facilitated a more
L21 10 30 focused observation of learner behaviours. For example, the researcher observed that
L22 8 30 learners “could not choose the correct letter card” to be pasted in Section A of the RPT.
This section discusses the findings obtained and presents them according
RQ2: Is there any significant difference between the level of mastery of letter-sound to the RQ. Generally, all the learners improved in their reading proficiency, as
correspondences among young Malaysian learners before and after implementing evidenced from the RPT scores after intervention. The improvement could be due to
the ASB approach? the effect of the Act in ASB approach in memorising the actions and subsequently
linked to recognising phonemes. This aligned with the TPR method, whereby
The RPT mean scores before (M=8.8) and after (M=29.3) implementing the ASB actions and bodily movements were used to strengthen the learners’ memory of the
approach was compared in a line graph and presented in Figure 6. presented words (Rokhayati, 2017). Apart from that, the Sing in ASB method might
also help to engage learners in the learning of letter-sound correspondences. As the
use of ‘There’s a farmer had a dog’ song, which was catchy and fun for the learners,
may have lowered their anxiety level and facilitated their learning.
Besides, the researcher’s field notes also indicated that the learners
employed a variety of reading skills when completing the RPT. This suggests that
the RPT could assess various aspects of learners’ reading proficiency, such as to
discriminate, segment and blend individual phonemes.

Conclusion

This study investigated the effectiveness of the ASB approach in improving

the learners’ mastery of letter-sound correspondences, while RPT was used to
determine whether the learners have acquired the mentioned skills. The findings
Figure 6: RPT mean scores before and after ASB approach.

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 Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGTAR)

from the study indicated that there was an increase in the RPT scores from ANSWER
pretest to the posttest, while the difference between the scores were statistically
significant. Besides, RPT was also found to assess different aspects of learners’
reading proficiency. Therefore, it could be suggested that ASB approach offers
fun, technology-integrated and learner-centred learning to improve the learners’
mastery of letter-sound correspondences, while RPT provides a holistic assessment
of learners’ reading proficiency. Future studies could include a non-equivalent group
to compare the findings between groups after the intervention. Besides, interviews
could also be carried out with learners to obtain in-depth understanding regarding
the ASB approach. Overall, the study tackles Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
4 - Quality Education.

REFERENCES

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods

approaches (4th ed.). SAGE.
Khabirova, Z. (2022). A case study of implementing hypothesis of affective filter
in learning English to reduce anxiety and raise student’s self-confidence.
Science and Innovation, 8(2), 569-573.
Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and practice in second language acquisition.
Pergamon Press.
Ministry of Education. (2022). Kurikulum standard sekolah rendah bahasa inggeris
sekolah kebangsaan: Dokumen standard kurikulum dan pentaksiran (Tahun
6). Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum.
Rokhayati, A. (2017). Promoting Total Physical Response (TPR) for young learners in 1. Scientific name of the plant used for LitSara® products. – Litsea cubeba
English class. The 2nd TEYLIN International Conference Proceedings, (April), 2. A compound found in LitSara® essential oil which is also a major component in
75–80. the oil of citrus fruit peels. - D-limonene
3. “LitSara®” is a fusion of Litsea and Sarawak.
4. LitSara® scent was described as invigorating and crisp.
YOUTUBE VIDEO LINK OF ASB APPROACH 5. A technology used for essential oil extraction. – Distillation
6. SBC has formalised Benefit Sharing Agreements (BSA) with six villages.
7. Long Kerebangan is located at Lawas, Sarawak.
8. LitSara® oil can be extracted from the leaves and fruit.
9. Aromatic compounds are usually found in flowers or leaves.
10. Oil floats on water because of density.

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 ministry of education, innovation
and talent development Sarawak






Judul : SYNTHESIS SARAWAK

ISSN : 3036-0293


KOD JALUR / BARCODE

ISSN 3036-0293


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